Verified data from IPEDS & College Scorecard

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs UC Irvine

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

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoUC Irvine
Acceptance Rate29.8%25.6%
In-State Tuition$11,075$14,237
Out-of-State Tuition$30,995$45,014
Average Net Price$16,888$14,647
Graduation Rate85.0%86.0%

GradFax Analysis

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo accepts 29.8% of applicants. UC Irvine accepts 25.6%. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's in-state tuition is $11,075. UC Irvine's is $14,237. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is cheaper. Six-year graduation rates are close: 85% at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, 86% at UC Irvine.

Bottom Line

Both are solid options. Get the actual aid estimates from each school and compare them side by side. The averages above won't tell your specific story.

Source: IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System

Full interactive comparison →California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo profileUC Irvine profile

Common Questions

Which is harder to get into, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or UC Irvine?

UC Irvine. It accepts 25.6% of applicants, per IPEDS data.

Source: IPEDS

Is California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo or UC Irvine more affordable?

UC Irvine, on average. After aid, students pay $14,647/year versus $16,888/year. Your number depends on your aid package.

Source: IPEDS

Which has a better graduation rate?

Nearly the same. California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is at 85%; UC Irvine is at 86%.

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 Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs UC Irvine: Acceptance Rate, Tuition & Outcomes (2026) | GradFax