UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO)
San Luis Obispo, CA 21,497 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
CaliforniaPolytechnicLearn by Doing
Accept
29.6%
Yield
27.8%
Test
Blind
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%)
Not used
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
Not used
SAT Math (mid 50%)
Not used
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
Not used
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTENot separately reported in CDS
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$36,003
Total COA
$60,573
Avg need-based aid
$19,293
Avg merit award
$5,233
Net price after avg need aid
$41,280
Cal Poly SLO meets 0.73% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Cal Poly Scholars Program
0AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Cal Poly SLO's AP Policy
Cal Poly awards credit for AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. The amount of credit varies by exam and score. A maximum of 45 quarter units of external credit may be applied to a degree.
Min score
3
Credit cap
72 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankNot Considered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresNot Considered
- Application EssayNot Considered
- Recommendation(s)Not Considered
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Cal Poly fosters teaching, scholarship, and service in a learn-by-doing environment in which students, staff, and faculty are partners in discovery.
Distilled Themes
Learn-by-doingApplication of theory to practiceBalanced educationCross-disciplinary experiencesCivic engagement
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Cal Poly is a 'learn-by-doing' school, so students who can show a history of hands-on projects and work experience will have an edge.
- 02They are test-blind, so scores are not a factor. Focus on showcasing practical skills and a strong academic record in relevant subjects.
- 03Admissions are highly competitive, especially for impacted majors. A focused application that clearly aligns with a specific program is crucial.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a passion for hands-on learning and practical application of knowledge.
- 02Highlight any relevant work experience, internships, or personal projects.
- 03Show a clear understanding of the chosen major and how it aligns with career goals.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A generic application that doesn't show specific interest in Cal Poly's unique programs
- Lack of demonstrated interest in the chosen major
- A purely academic profile with no evidence of practical skills or real-world experience
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Architecture; Engineering (especially Aerospace and Mechanical); Agriculture; Business; Graphic Communication
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Application open from Oct. 1 to Dec. 1. All applicants will be notified of their admission status by April 1.
Dec 1, 2025
→ Apr 1, 2026
Early Decision I
Not offered
—
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2023-2024)
Not trackedWeight: Not Considered
Cal Poly SLO does not track demonstrated interest; its official CDS states it is not considered.
Save the energy
Focus on academics and essays; no need to demonstrate interest in Cal Poly SLO.
Provenance