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

$16,888
Average Net Price
60%
Receive Aid
18%
Pell Recipients
Affordable
Affordability

Average Net Price

The average net price at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $16,888 per year after grants and scholarships are applied.

Overall Average Net Price

$16,888

Average amount students pay per year after financial aid

Net Price by Family Income

$0-30,000$6,476
$30,001-48,000$6,904
$48,001-75,000$11,372
$75,001-110,000$18,032
$110,000+$26,920

Financial Aid

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo demonstrates strong commitment to educational accessibility, with 60% of undergraduate students receiving financial aid and 18% benefiting from federal Pell grants for demonstrated financial need.

Students Receiving Aid

60%

Of undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance

Pell Grant Recipients

18%

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 $5,742 annually for tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $5,742. Additional costs for room, board, books, and personal expenses will vary based on your living arrangements and lifestyle choices. Commuting students pay approximately $8,142, which is 57% cheaper than on-campus living.

Tuition & Fees Comparison

Annual Tuition & Fees

In-State: $5,742

Out-of-State: $5,742

In-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$5,742
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$20,942

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$5,742
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$20,442

Out-of-State Students

On Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$5,742
Room & Board$12,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$20,942

Off Campus Living

Tuition & Fees$5,742
Room & Board$10,000
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$2,000
Personal Expenses$2,000

Total Estimated Cost$20,942

Commuting Students

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

In-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$5,742
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,000
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$9,442

Out-of-State Commuter

Tuition & Fees$5,742
Books & Supplies$1,200
Transportation$1,500
Personal Expenses$1,500

Total$9,942

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 $2,296, representing a 12.0% reduction in average net price.

Cost Trends

Previous Year

$19,184

Current Year

$16,888

Change

$-2,296

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 aid60%
Pell grant recipients18%
Student-faculty ratio18:1