California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, United States • Founded 1901 • World Rank #2019
Overview
Established in 1901, the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of San Luis Obispo (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), California.
Officially accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study.
This 122-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 30-39% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
Cal Poly also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
The figures below cover California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's academic scale, faculty depth, and recognised standing. Treat the enrolment count as a point-in-time snapshot; trends require multi-year comparison.
Academic Structures
The academic-side structure of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, broken down by unit type. International branch campuses, where they exist, are sometimes organised as separate units with their own structure.
Unit 6 items
- Bailey College of Science and Mathematics
- College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
- College of Architecture and Environmental Design
- College of Engineering
- College of Liberal Arts
- Orfalea College of Business
Programs Offered
Each programme at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is grouped by the degree it leads to. New programmes can take 6–12 months to propagate through search engines, so the live catalogue here is the authoritative list.
Bachelor's Degree
77 programmes
Browse 77 programmes at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.
Agriculture, General Agriculture
Agricultural Business and Management Agriculture
Agricultural Mechanization Agriculture
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services Agriculture
Agricultural Public Services Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Plant Sciences Agriculture
Soil Sciences Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Forestry Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Landscape Architecture Urban Planning
Architectural Sciences and Technology Architecture
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Agricultural Engineering General Engineering
Architectural Engineering General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Engineering Science General Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Materials Engineering General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Construction Engineering General Engineering
Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Marine Sciences Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Public Health Public Health
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Construction Management Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
45 programmes
Explore 45 programmes of postgraduate study at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Agriculture, General Agriculture
Agricultural Business and Management Agriculture
Animal Sciences Agriculture
Food Science and Technology Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Forestry Forestry & Natural Resources
Architecture Architecture
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering Aerospace & Automotive Engineering
Architectural Engineering General Engineering
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Nutrition Sciences Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Fire Protection Emergency & Disaster Management
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Economics Economics
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Taxation Taxation
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
3 programmes
These 3 programmes group California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Engineering, Other General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Application guidance for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo offers 125 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Each programme at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit your application
Apply directly via California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's online portal at www.calpoly.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (805) 756 1111. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Common questions students ask about California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo — answers pulled straight from the institution's published profile.
How old is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo?
The institution opened in 1901 (approximately 125 years ago).
Where is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo located?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, United States.
Is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo a public or private institution?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo?
Student enrolment at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is around 20,000-24,999.
Where does California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo stand in university rankings?
It ranks #2019 globally and #265 in United States.
How many faculties does California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo have?
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo accredited?
Yes, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is recognised by WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Where can I learn more about California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo?
The institution's website is www.calpoly.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The institutions topping the United States's rankings give national context for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Context matters because employer perception in the United States often correlates with national rankings.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities geographically close to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Interested in General Engineering but want alternatives to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo? These institutions in the United States also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Often Compared with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Joint research consortia among universities at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo's level — shared grants, co-supervision arrangements — make peer institutions natural collaborators rather than just competitors.
