California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo campus

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Cal Poly Ratings and Reviews

  • 8/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • San Luis Obispo, CA
  • 4.7 3 reviews
#7 Best Public Universities in California
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Cal Poly Ratings and Reviews

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Ratings

Cal Poly is rated within the top 26% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    8 out of 10
  • Academics
    9 out of 10
  • Resources
    5 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    9 out of 10
  • Value
    8 out of 10
Learn how ratings are calculated

Student Review Summary

4.7

Approved reviews

3 student reviews

3 out of 3 (100%) reviewers rated 4 stars or higher

Students rate Academics highest and Professors / Faculty lowest.

Rating snapshot

  • 5 stars
    2
  • 4 stars
    1
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Average by category

  • Overall Rating
    4.7
  • Academics
    5.0
  • Value for Money
    4.7
  • Professors / Faculty
    3.3
  • Campus Atmosphere
    5.0
  • Housing
    3.7
  • Campus Safety
    4.7
  • Student Life
    4.3
  • Party and Bar Scene
    4.0

Student and Parent Reviews

If you are a student, former student, faculty member or parent, please help guide other prospective students by sharing your personal experiences at this college. What is it really like to go to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo?

Apr 30, 2026
Rating 5 out of 5

This school provides quality education and truly prepares students for the real work force. It is located in one of the most beautiful Central Coast cities; safe with a beach town vibes. It provides a good Greek life experience + the social life is perfect for a college student. 100% worth it!

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Sep 13, 2019
Rating 5 out of 5

Cal Poly is amzing palce that EVERY student I've spoken with not only loves the academic programs, but they truly like going to school there and love living in SLO! As a professional who hires, I am truly impressed with the Cal Poly graduates, not only their excellent education, but their willingness and desire to put what they've learned to positively change the world. Cal Poly's "learn by Doing" is not just a motto, it is a educational and lifestyle philosophy that goes far beyond their years on campus.

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Value for Money
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Apr 9, 2017
Rating 4 out of 5

Overall Rating
Academics
Value for Money
Professors / Faculty
Campus Atmosphere
Housing
Campus Safety
Dating and Social Life
Party and Bar Scene

Rate California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Share your ratings for Cal Poly across academics, campus life, and more to help prospective students understand what it's really like to attend.

Your Overall Experience *

If a friend asked whether Cal Poly was worth it, what would your gut say?

Academics *

Did classes challenge you and leave you feeling like you actually learned something?

Value for Money *

Considering tuition, aid, and what you got out of it, did the cost feel justified?

Professors and Faculty *

Were instructors accessible, engaged, and invested in students or mostly going through the motions?

Campus Atmosphere *

Did the campus feel welcoming and full of energy, or more like a place you simply passed through?

Student Housing *

Were dorms and residence halls somewhere you'd want to live, or a constant source of frustration?

Campus Safety *

Did you feel comfortable walking around at night, or did safety ever weigh on your mind?

Student Life *

Was it easy to find your people, make friends, and stay socially connected?

Party and Bar Scene *

Do weekends have a pulse here, or does the social scene quiet down once classes end?

We will review your college review for suitability and publish it if approved. We reserve all rights to reject and edit reviews deemed incomplete, inappropriate or malicous or critical of individuals. By submitting this review you agree for it to be published on this website. Your full name will not be published.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110422.

Last updated: August 2026