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University of California-San Diego and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo are both public institutions — University of California-San Diego in La Jolla, CA and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, CA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
La Jolla, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 26.7%
Undergrad enrollment: 34,948
Tuition: $50,958/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.1%
Top programs: Biological sciences, Engineering, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in La Jolla, CA with published program strength in Biological sciences and Engineering.
San Luis Obispo, CA · Public
Acceptance rate: 31.3%
Undergrad enrollment: 21,996
Tuition: $34,665/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 86.4%
Top programs: Engineering, Business and marketing, Agriculture
Best for: Students who want a public campus in San Luis Obispo, CA with published program strength in Engineering and Business and marketing.
| Factor | University of California-San Diego | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 26.7% | 31.3% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | Not reported | Not reported |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 34,948 | 21,996 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $50,958/year | $34,665/year |
| Average net price after aid | $12,470 | $16,665 |
| Graduation rate | 86.1% | 86.4% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $84,943 | $90,768 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 19.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | La Jolla, CA | San Luis Obispo, CA |
| Largest program areas | Biological sciences, Engineering, Social sciences | Engineering, Business and marketing, Agriculture |
University of California-San Diego is more selective (26.7% vs 31.3% acceptance rate). University of California-San Diego has a lower average net price after grant aid ($12,470 vs $16,665). Both report a similar graduation rate (86.1%). University of California-San Diego is the larger undergraduate campus (34,948 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of California-San Diego vs University of California-Irvine
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University of California-San Diego vs University of California-Santa Barbara
26.7% vs 33.0% acceptance rate
University of California-San Diego vs San Diego State University
26.7% vs 36.2% acceptance rate
University of California-San Diego vs University of California-Davis
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Common questions when choosing between University of California-San Diego and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
University of California-San Diego has an acceptance rate of 26.7%; California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is around 31.3%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of California-San Diego tuition is $50,958/year. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is $34,665/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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