Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

California Institute of the Arts vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Valencia, CA · San Luis Obispo, CA · Source: IPEDS federal database

California Institute of the ArtsCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Acceptance Rate32.3%31.3%
In-State Tuition$58,996$13,596
Out-of-State Tuition$58,996$34,665
Average Net Price$56,239$17,453
Graduation Rate67.0%86.0%
Total Enrollment1,27723,069
Student-Faculty Ratio719

GradFax Analysis

Both are competitive to get into. California Institute of the Arts accepts 32.3% of applicants; California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 31.3%. California Institute of the Arts's tuition is $58,996. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's is $13,596. That's a $45,400 difference per year. California Institute of the Arts graduates 67% of students in 6 years. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates 86%.

Bottom Line

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is public; California Institute of the Arts is private. If you're an in-state student, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo will cost significantly less. Check the net price numbers above before deciding.

After aid, the average student pays $56,239/year at California Institute of the Arts and $17,453/year at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is cheaper for most people.

Source: IPEDS: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →California Institute of the Arts profileCalifornia Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, California Institute of the Arts or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. It accepts 31.3% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is California Institute of the Arts or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo more affordable?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, on average. After aid, students pay $17,453/year versus $56,239/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: 86% of students finish in 6 years. California Institute of the Arts is at 67%.

Source: IPEDS

Data from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Figures represent the most recent available academic year.