California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly SLO is a public university known for its highly-regarded engineering and agricultural programs and its "Learn by Doing" philosophy, which emphasizes hands-on experience. Students dive right into real world learning opportunities through research, passion or service projects, hackathons, and more. Cal Poly SLO is also home to one of the largest business incubators in the country, which has launched numerous successful startups and fostered a culture of innovation on campus.

Students are often described as active, outdoorsy, socially conscious and environmentally aware. Cal Poly SLO is located in between Los Angeles and San Francisco, along California's Central Coast. The campus has a vineyard, an arboretum, a dairy unit, and other agricultural facilities, all of which provide sites for students to “Learn by Doing.” Cal Poly SLO is a great choice for students looking for practical, career-oriented degrees in a beautiful location.

Did You Know?

Cal Poly SLO hosts one of the largest student-run events in the United States, known as the Open House. The event spans an entire weekend and includes exhibits, performances, and athletic events. The highlight is the Poly Royal Rodeo, which attracts thousands of spectators each year. 

Pros and Cons Of Cal Poly SLO

Pros:

Experiential Learning: The university’s “learn by doing” philosophy can be a plus for active, career-driven students.

Access to Outdoors: San Luis Obispo offers easy access to hiking, biking, and surfing, as well as beaches and wine country.

Friendly Students: Cal Poly SLO has a vibrant student life and reputation for being a friendly and welcoming community.

Value: As a public university, Cal Poly SLO is relatively affordable compared to similar private institutions.

Cons:

Limited Diversity: Cal Poly SLO has historically been the least diverse of the Cal State schools, which may be a concern for students looking for a more diverse and inclusive environment.

Limited Graduate Programs: Cal Poly SLO offers fewer graduate programs compared to many other universities. But as one CC Community notes, “Limited grad programs is not necessarily a disadvantage for undergraduates! Students are taught by professors, not by grad students, and the school’s focus is on its undergraduate programs, which is at least as much of a “pro” as a “con!”

Heavy Workload: Cal Poly SLO’s “learn by doing” philosophy means that students spent a significant amount of time on hands-on projects and experiential learning activities, in addition to academics.

The CC Community on Cal Poly SLO

“Cal Poly SLO students seemed genuinely happy. The tour guide said the best thing about Cal Poly SLO is the people. As a friend of the tour guide walked by, the tour guide asked, “What is the best thing about Cal Poly SLO?” The friend answered, 'The people!' Both [of my kids] were impressed and said that Cal Poly SLO’s info session and on campus tour were the “best” of the five tours (others included 3 UC schools and Occidental College during Thanksgiving break).”

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