California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Cal Poly, a higher SAT or ACT score will not boost your application because the campus is test-free. With a 31.2% admit rate and a 4.12 average GPA, your strongest target is a rigorous transcript with grades that show you are ready to thrive and stay on track.
⬡ LangSmith6a0fd4c0-8e92-4aaf-bafe-a279c50211f1Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo facts and stats
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo enrolls 21,947 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. Cal Poly reports a 95% freshman retention rate, well above the national average of roughly 70%, and an 87% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. Cal Poly uses a test-free admissions policy.
⬡ LangSmith99d834f7-e4fc-42c9-8212-c75c1b7b91abSan Luis Obispo, CA
How does your GPA compare at Cal Poly?
Key California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Cal Poly is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and do not need to arrive by the November 30 Regular Decision deadline. Retakes and superscoring only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
⬡ LangSmith01dcbf39-fdf4-475f-8cb3-51e9b7cb0a66Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo?
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What you'll actually pay
Cal Poly is a public university with in-state tuition of $6,084 and out-of-state tuition of $18,684. About 32% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 2.
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Out-of-state tuition at Cal Poly is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084, with room and board adding $18,225. About 32% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $18,400. Merit awards average $3,746. Students graduate with an average debt of $21,999.
⬡ LangSmith4d829acc-15c8-495d-8dfb-7545f84f6e89Student life at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
39% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 3% of men join fraternities, and 6% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CAAcceptance rate: 33%
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CAAcceptance rate: 28.8%
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CAAcceptance rate: 26.8%
San Diego State University
San Diego, CAAcceptance rate: 36%
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