Azusa Pacific University vs. Cal Poly

Comparable Facts

Compare Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA with California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in San Luis Obispo, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is larger than Azusa Pacific University based on total student enrollment (23,069 students vs. 6,272 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Azusa Pacific University is located in Azusa, CA (Large Suburban setting); California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is in San Luis Obispo, CA (Small Suburban setting).
• Azusa Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Azusa Pacific University 9:1; California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 19:1.

Azusa Pacific University vs. Cal Poly Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Azusa Pacific University or Cal Poly? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo than Azusa Pacific University ($17,453 vs. $26,143).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Azusa Pacific University are 43% lower than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ($10,704 vs. $18,792).
• Azusa Pacific University is 227% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal Poly (about $30,862 more per year; $44,458.00 vs. $13,596.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.3% higher at Azusa Pacific University than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (about $9,793 more per year; $44,458.00 vs. $34,665.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Azusa Pacific University than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (99% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Azusa Pacific University students is 112.7% larger than aid received by California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo students ($30,504 vs. $14,338).

Azusa Pacific University vs. Cal Poly Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Azusa Pacific University or Cal Poly? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cal Poly and Azusa Pacific University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (1320) is 210 points higher than at Azusa Pacific University (1110).
• Incoming Cal Poly students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Azusa Pacific University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Azusa Pacific University 983/1238; California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 1220/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Azusa Pacific University 25/30; California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 26/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Azusa Pacific University - Test optional; Cal Poly - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Azusa Pacific University Jun 1, 2027; Cal Poly Nov 30, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman Cal Poly students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Azusa Pacific University (3.74).
• Azusa Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (88.4%) than Cal Poly (31.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Azusa Pacific University vs. 24.6% at Cal Poly.

Azusa Pacific University vs. Cal Poly Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Azusa Pacific University and Cal Poly? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than Azusa Pacific University's (63%).
• Graduates from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of about $15,200 more per year than Azusa Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,400 vs. $54,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates have a $3,834 lower median loan debt than Azusa Pacific University graduates ($18,666 vs. $22,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal Poly graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Azusa Pacific University graduates ($193 vs. $232).
• More Cal Poly graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Azusa Pacific University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.