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 Rate26.0%29.8%
In-State Tuition$56,724$11,075
Out-of-State Tuition$56,724$30,995
Average Net Price$40,863$16,888
Graduation Rate64.0%85.0%

GradFax Analysis

California Institute of the Arts accepts 26.0% of applicants. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 29.8%. California Institute of the Arts's tuition is $56,724. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's is $11,075. That's a $45,649 difference per year. California Institute of the Arts graduates 64% of students in 6 years. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates 85%.

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.

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 Institute of the Arts. It accepts 26.0% 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 has lower published tuition: $11,075 versus $56,724. Financial aid can flip this, so compare your actual award letters.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: 85% of students finish in 6 years. California Institute of the Arts is at 64%.

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.

California Institute of the Arts vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax