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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

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

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo award
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo award
US ranking
position: 148
Tuition & fees per year: $13,098
Acceptance rate: 30.00%
Median alumni salary: $62,831
Avg. SAT and ACT: N/A
Entrance difficulty: Moderate

What is the history of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

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.

What are the faculties and departments at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

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.

What is the location of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

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.

What is the mission and vision of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

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.

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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Public

Setting type

Suburb: Small

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

20,000 and above

School type

Comprehensive higher education institution

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Quarters

Foundation year

1901

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Programs and Degrees

iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconCertificate of less than 1 year
iconCertificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
iconAssociate's degree
iconCertificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
iconPost-master's certificate
iconDoctor's degree - research/scholarship
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice
iconDoctor's degree - other
iconOther degree

Alumni Salary for California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Degrees

Degrees

Avg. salary

Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

$74,220

Agricultural Business and Management

$55,329

Agricultural Engineering

$67,924

Agricultural Mechanization

Data not available

Agricultural Public Services

$38,797

Agriculture, General

$47,178

Animal Sciences

$30,350

Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services

Data not available

Architectural Engineering

$69,509

Architectural Sciences and Technology

Data not available

Architecture

$55,714

Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology

$37,312

Biology, General

$32,589

Biomedical/Medical Engineering

$72,746

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$63,640

Business/Commerce, General

$58,544

Chemistry

Data not available

City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning

$53,484

Civil Engineering

$72,381

Communication and Media Studies

$40,455

Computer and Information Sciences, General

$88,197

Computer Engineering

$91,493

Computer Science

$91,351

Construction Engineering

Data not available

Construction Engineering Technologies

$79,656

Construction Management

$83,616

Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services

Data not available

Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

Data not available

Economics

$51,116

Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering

$79,454

Engineering Science

Data not available

Engineering, General

Data not available

English Language and Literature, General

$31,386

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering

$59,486

Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies

Data not available

Fine and Studio Arts

$39,354

Food Science and Technology

$46,002

Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services

$20,936

Forestry

$35,417

Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences

$36,496

Graphic Communications

$49,435

Health and Physical Education/Fitness

$29,831

History

$27,907

Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services

Data not available

Industrial Engineering

$72,643

Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians

Data not available

Journalism

$39,869

Landscape Architecture

$44,172

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$38,741

Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services

Data not available

Manufacturing Engineering

$68,936

Marine Sciences

Data not available

Materials Engineering

$62,746

Mathematics

$46,729

Mechanical Engineering

$74,806

Microbiological Sciences and Immunology

Data not available

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other

Data not available

Music

Data not available

Natural Resources Conservation and Research

Data not available

Natural Resources Management and Policy

$31,009

Nutrition Sciences

$33,431

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management

$39,393

Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies

$52,700

Philosophy

Data not available

Physics

$30,120

Plant Sciences

$50,514

Political Science and Government

$31,649

Psychology, General

$29,831

Public Health

Data not available

Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies

Data not available

Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

Data not available

Social Sciences, General

Data not available

Social Sciences, Other

$31,667

Sociology

$39,856

Soil Sciences

Data not available

Statistics

$49,673

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

$34,520

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

$27,879

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