Cal Poly's published cost of attendance is $29,918 per year, including $11,075 in-state tuition, $17,220 for room and board, and $1,089 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $15,624 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,294 through various aid programs.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $32,265 |
| Tuition and Fees | $34,665 |
| Room and Board | $18,792 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,119 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$15,600 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,665 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,529 |
| $30–48k | $7,253 |
| $48–75k | $9,896 |
| $75–110k | $15,786 |
| $110k+ | $27,772 |
Cal Poly's published cost of attendance is $29,918 per year, including $11,075 in-state tuition, $17,220 for room and board, and $1,089 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $15,624 after financial aid, representing savings of $14,294 through various aid programs. Out-of-state students face significantly higher costs with tuition of $30,995, though financial aid can substantially reduce net expenses.
The institution's net price of $15,624 sits essentially at the peer median of $15,590, indicating typical pricing for similar public universities. Cal Poly's pricing structure reflects California's approach to public higher education, with relatively moderate base costs enhanced by financial aid that reduces actual expenses for most families. The substantial gap between sticker price and average net cost demonstrates the importance of applying for financial aid regardless of family income level.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Cal Poly graduates carry a median debt of $18,500, below the peer median of $20,000 and resulting in controlled borrowing relative to similar institutions. Debt ranges from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns but generally moderate levels across the distribution.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.20 indicates that graduates' debt represents about 20% of their first-year earnings, a manageable burden that supports financial stability after graduation. Parent PLUS borrowing shows a median of $31,615 with monthly payments of $416, indicating families supplement student borrowing with additional loans when needed.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Cal Poly represents strong educational value through the combination of moderate debt levels and exceptional post-graduation earnings. Graduates earn $12,323 beyond expectations, ranking at the 88.3rd percentile nationally, while carrying debt $1,500 below peer institutions.
The median earnings of $90,768 place Cal Poly at the 97th percentile nationally, substantially outperforming the peer median of $60,543 by $30,225 annually. The 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio indicates manageable loan obligations relative to income capacity, supporting financial stability and career flexibility after graduation.
Cal Poly's position among the top 5 institutions nationally for median earnings, combined with controlled borrowing, creates exceptional return on educational investment. The institution's Selective Achievers designation reflects this combination of strong outcomes achieved through focused technical education and career preparation.
Cal Poly's financial aid approach reflects California's commitment to public higher education accessibility combined with the institution's selective admission standards. The 18.3% Pell share indicates enrollment of students from lower-income backgrounds, though at levels below broad-access public institutions.
The substantial $14,294 average financial aid savings demonstrates effective aid packaging that reduces costs across income levels. The progressive net pricing structure, ranging from $6,476 for the lowest-income families to $26,920 for the highest earners, shows targeted support where financial need is greatest.
While the Pell share is moderate compared to community colleges or regional universities, it reflects meaningful access within Cal Poly's selective admissions context. The combination of reasonable base costs for a high-quality institution and substantial aid reductions creates favorable affordability conditions for California families across the economic spectrum, supporting the institution's role in economic mobility for technically-oriented students.
The combination of controlled student debt levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial health. Cal Poly's debt performance ranks at the 77th percentile nationally, reflecting well above average outcomes in debt management.
