California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

What is the cost of studying for a year at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Cal Poly's annual price depends heavily on California residency, housing and financial aid. In the 2024-25 IPEDS figures, full-time undergraduate tuition and required fees together were $12,161 for California residents. The corresponding reported nonresident tuition and required fees totaled $33,230. These are historical academic-year figures, not a quote for a later entry term.

• 2024-25 California-resident undergraduate tuition and required fees: $12,161.
• 2024-25 nonresident undergraduate tuition and required fees: $33,230.
• Reported annual room and board: $19,443; housing choice and meal plan affect an individual bill.
• Reported books and supplies: $1,119, before transportation and other personal expenses.

Tuition alone substantially understates the amount a student may need. The reported room-and-board figure comprises housing and meals, so it should not be added again to separate room or meal charges. Students living off campus should instead budget their actual rent, food and commuting costs. Cal Poly's current cost-of-attendance estimate and fee schedule are the appropriate basis for planning a future academic year, particularly as its academic calendar changes.

Financial aid can change the price a family pays. In the reported aid data, 62% of students received financial aid and 25% had student loans. The average net price for students from families earning $48,000 or less was $7,253; for those from families earning more than $110,000, it was $27,772. These are averages for eligible students in each income group, not individual offers. Aid possibilities include federal Pell Grants and loans, California grant programs, Cal Poly scholarships and eligible veterans' education benefits. Students should complete the FAFSA or, where eligible, the California Dream Act Application and check the applicable state and campus priority deadlines.

What are the work-study opportunities at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

Cal Poly students can seek part-time work while enrolled, but Federal Work-Study and ordinary student employment work differently. Federal Work-Study is need-based aid offered to eligible students through the financial aid process; it ordinarily pays wages for work performed rather than reducing a tuition bill upfront. Students without a Work-Study award may still be eligible for other campus jobs.

University departments and associated campus operations employ students in a range of roles. Career Services also offers practical job-search support, including career advising, résumé and interview preparation, employer events and resources for finding internships and jobs. An internship may provide academic credit, pay, both or neither, depending on its terms. Students should compare the hours and expected earnings of a proposed job with their class and laboratory schedules rather than count an unearned Work-Study award as cash already available for expenses.