CalPoly Acceptance Rate

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO), located in San Luis Obispo, California, is known for its competitive admissions process, particularly for its hands-on, 'learn by doing' approach. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), Cal Poly SLO reported an overall acceptance rate of approximately 30.3%, reflecting a highly selective process. This selectivity is influenced by a growing applicant pool, with over 58,000 applications received in recent years, as well as the university's strong reputation in engineering, architecture, and agriculture programs. While Cal Poly SLO publishes some admission statistics through its official website and the Common Data Set, detailed breakdowns by application type or demographic are not always fully transparent.

• Overall Acceptance Rate: 30.3% for the Class of 2028, with approximately 58,000 applicants and around 17,500 admitted students, consistent with prior years.
• Early Action/Decision Rate: Data unavailable for the most recent cycle. Historically, early applicants may see slightly higher acceptance rates due to smaller pools; estimated at 32.0% based on trends.
• International Student Rate: Specific data unavailable. Based on historical Common Data Set reports, international acceptance rates are often lower due to limited spots; estimated at 25.0%.

Over the past decade, Cal Poly SLO's acceptance rate has trended downward, reflecting increasing competitiveness as more students apply each year. The university's emphasis on early application options does not significantly alter overall selectivity, unlike some peer institutions where early decision can boost chances. Compared to other California State University campuses, Cal Poly SLO remains one of the most selective, though it is less competitive than University of California schools like UCLA or UC Berkeley. International student admissions face additional hurdles due to space constraints and visa considerations, contributing to lower acceptance rates for this group. For the most accurate and updated statistics, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official Cal Poly SLO admissions page at www.calpoly.edu/admissions or review the Common Data Set when available.