California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Cost & Financial Aid Information

$19,184
Average Net Price
50%
Receive Aid
17%
Pell Recipients
Affordable
Affordability

Average Net Price

The average net price at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $19,184 per year after grants and scholarships are applied.

Overall Average Net Price

$19,184

Average amount students pay per year after financial aid

Net Price by Family Income

$0-30,000$10,117
$30,001-48,000$10,842
$48,001-75,000$14,619
$75,001-110,000$22,251
$110,000+$28,119

Financial Aid

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo demonstrates strong commitment to educational accessibility, with 50% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid and 17% benefiting from federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need.

Students Receiving Aid

50%

Of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance

Pell Grant Recipients

17%

Of students receive federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need

Grants & Scholarships

Gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid

Work-Study Programs

Part-time employment opportunities on campus

Student Loans

Federal and private loan options available

Combined Sticker Price (Undergraduate)

The sticker price represents the total cost before any financial aid is applied. In-state students can expect a sticker price of $11,075 annually for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $30,995. Additional costs for room, board, books, and personal expenses will vary based on your living arrangements and lifestyle choices. Commuting students pay approximately $13,475, which is 44% cheaper than on-campus living.

Tuition & Fees Comparison

Annual Tuition & Fees

In-State: $11,075

Out-of-State: $30,995

In-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$11,075
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$26,275

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$11,075
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$25,775

Out-of-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$30,995
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$46,195

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$30,995
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$2,000
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$46,195

Commuting Students

Students living at home and commuting to campus can significantly reduce their costs.

In-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$11,075
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,000
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$14,775

Out-of-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$30,995
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$35,195

Cost Analysis

Analyze how Cal Poly's costs have changed over time. Over the past year, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has decreased costs by $1,524, representing a 7.4% reduction in average net price.

Cost Trends

Previous Year

$20,708

Current Year

$19,184

Change

$-1,524

Affordability & Value

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education with strong return on investment.

Affordability Rating

Affordable

Based on average net price compared to national averages

Investment Value

Students receiving aid50%
Pell grant recipients17%
Student-faculty ratio20:1