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.
Data 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.
San Luis Obispo, CA
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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.
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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.
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.
Student 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.
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