
1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA


California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo was founded in 1901 as a vocational high school with the goal of providing practical education in agriculture and industry. Over the decades, it evolved into a comprehensive polytechnic institution emphasizing hands-on learning and applied sciences. The university's growth reflected a deliberate shift from secondary education to higher education, expanding its academic programs to include engineering, architecture, business, and liberal arts. This transformation established California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo as a leading public university focused on combining theory with practical experience. Its emphasis on "learn by doing" remains a core educational philosophy that attracts students seeking a blend of rigorous academics and real-world application. Throughout its history, the university has maintained a commitment to serving the needs of California's diverse industries and communities while adapting to changing educational demands. This history underscores the university's role in preparing graduates who are well-equipped for professional success in a variety of fields.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo offers a diverse array of academic programs organized into several colleges and departments designed to cater to a wide range of interests and career goals. The university's academic structure emphasizes a hands-on, learn-by-doing approach, reflecting its commitment to practical education combined with theoretical foundations.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences focuses on areas such as agribusiness, animal science, and nutrition, preparing students for careers related to agricultural industries and environmental stewardship.
The Orfalea College of Business provides programs covering business administration, accounting, finance, and marketing, equipping students with essential skills for the corporate and entrepreneurial worlds.
The College of Engineering is notably comprehensive, featuring departments in aerospace, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, industrial, and mechanical engineering. This college is built to foster innovation and technical expertise through rigorous curricula and extensive project work.
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design includes disciplines like architecture, city and regional planning, construction management, and landscape architecture, emphasizing sustainable design practices and urban development.
The College of Liberal Arts encompasses humanities, social sciences, communication, and education, encouraging critical thinking and effective communication in various societal contexts.
The College of Science and Mathematics offers programs in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, and statistics, supporting students aiming for research, academic, or applied science careers.
Finally, the College of Environmental Design integrates multiple facets of design and development, aligning with the university's philosophy of blending creativity with practical application.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is located in the city of San Luis Obispo, California. The university sits on West 1 Grand Avenue, within the 93407 postal code area. San Luis Obispo is in San Luis Obispo County and benefits from the services of the San Luis Obispo County Regional area. This location offers students access to a community setting that can support both academic and personal growth.
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo emphasizes a learning-centered environment that combines rigorous academic study with practical, hands-on experience. The university seeks to prepare students for professional and personal success by fostering innovation, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. Its mission includes offering a comprehensive polytechnic education that integrates theory with real-world applications across a wide range of disciplines.
The vision of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is to be recognized as a premier public polytechnic university known for producing graduates who excel in their fields, contribute meaningfully to society, and lead in sustainable practices and technological advancement. The institution strives to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community where collaboration and creativity drive continuous improvement and positive impact on the region and beyond.
Name of the institution
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Suburb: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
20,000 and aboveSchool type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
QuartersFoundation year
1901
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
$74,220Agricultural Business and Management
$55,329Agricultural Engineering
$67,924Agricultural Mechanization
Data not availableAgricultural Public Services
$38,797Agriculture, General
$47,178Animal Sciences
$30,350Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services
Data not availableArchitectural Engineering
$69,509Architectural Sciences and Technology
Data not availableArchitecture
$55,714Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$37,312Biology, General
$32,589Biomedical/Medical Engineering
$72,746Business Administration, Management and Operations
$63,640Business/Commerce, General
$58,544Chemistry
Data not availableCity/Urban, Community and Regional Planning
$53,484Civil Engineering
$72,381Communication and Media Studies
$40,455Computer and Information Sciences, General
$88,197Computer Engineering
$91,493Computer Science
$91,351Construction Engineering
Data not availableConstruction Engineering Technologies
$79,656Construction Management
$83,616Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Data not availableDrama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
Data not availableEconomics
$51,116Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
$79,454Engineering Science
Data not availableEngineering, General
Data not availableEnglish Language and Literature, General
$31,386Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
$59,486Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Data not availableFine and Studio Arts
$39,354Food Science and Technology
$46,002Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
$20,936Forestry
$35,417Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
$36,496Graphic Communications
$49,435Health and Physical Education/Fitness
$29,831History
$27,907Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
Data not availableIndustrial Engineering
$72,643Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableJournalism
$39,869Landscape Architecture
$44,172Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$38,741Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
Data not availableManufacturing Engineering
$68,936Marine Sciences
Data not availableMaterials Engineering
$62,746Mathematics
$46,729Mechanical Engineering
$74,806Microbiological Sciences and Immunology
Data not availableMulti/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
Data not availableMusic
Data not availableNatural Resources Conservation and Research
Data not availableNatural Resources Management and Policy
$31,009Nutrition Sciences
$33,431Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
$39,393Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
$52,700Philosophy
Data not availablePhysics
$30,120Plant Sciences
$50,514Political Science and Government
$31,649Psychology, General
$29,831Public Health
Data not availableRhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
Data not availableRomance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableSocial Sciences, General
Data not availableSocial Sciences, Other
$31,667Sociology
$39,856Soil Sciences
Data not availableStatistics
$49,673Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$34,520Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$27,879