California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

What are the graduation rates for students at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo demonstrates strong graduation outcomes for its student body. The overall graduation rate stands at 85%, a figure considered very high and placing the university in the top 10% nationally. This success is consistent across genders, with graduation rates of 82% for men and 88% for women, both similarly ranked within the top 10% of comparable institutions.

Retention rates at the university are also notable, with 95% of students returning after their first year. This figure reflects a very high level of student engagement and satisfaction, again ranking the university in the top 10% nationally.

When examining time to degree, 61% of students graduate within four years, a rate categorized as high and within the top 20%. The six-year graduation rate rises to 85%, further affirming the university's capacity to support students through to degree completion in a manner that exceeds most peer institutions.

What is the earning potential for graduates at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Graduates from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo demonstrate a broad range of earning potential depending on their area of study. Among the highest earners are those with degrees in the computer and engineering fields. For example, graduates in Computer Science and Computer Engineering report median earnings above $90,000, specifically $91,351 and $91,493 respectively. Closely following are graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at $79,454, Mechanical Engineering at $74,806, and Aerospace Engineering at $74,220.

Students who pursue specialized engineering disciplines such as Biomedical/Medical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Architectural Engineering can expect salaries in the $69,000 to $73,000 range. Construction Management graduates also enjoy strong earning potential, with median incomes around $83,616. These figures suggest that engineering and technology-related programs offer robust financial returns relative to other fields.

Business-related degrees also lead to comparatively high earnings. Graduates with a degree in Business Administration, Management and Operations earn approximately $63,640 annually, while those studying Business/Commerce more generally earn around $58,544. Similarly, degrees in Agricultural Business and Management also yield favorable earning outcomes, averaging $55,329.

Urban planning and design disciplines provide respectable salaries as well. Architecture graduates have a median income of $55,714, with those studying City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning earning close to $53,484. Those in Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies graduate with earnings near $52,700, indicating viable opportunities in these fields.

Several STEM fields beyond engineering also offer solid salaries. Graduates in Statistics report median earnings near $49,673, and Graphic Communications graduates earn about $49,435. Degrees in Plant Sciences and Food Science and Technology yield median incomes of $50,514 and $46,002 respectively, suggesting a promising earning potential in agricultural and life sciences.

On the other hand, fields within the liberal arts and education sectors show more modest financial outcomes. For instance, graduates specializing in Teacher Education and Professional Development earn between $27,879 and $34,520, and degrees in Communication and Media Studies yield a median salary of $40,455. Graduates in Sociology earn about $39,856, and those in English Language and Literature make around $31,386.

Some other academic areas include Animal Sciences at $30,350, Natural Resources Management and Policy at $31,009, and Economics at $51,116, which offer varied but noteworthy salary prospects. Notably, Nutrition Sciences graduates earn roughly $33,431, while disciplines such as Fine and Studio Arts report median salaries near $39,354.