Cal Poly vs. University of Redlands

Comparable Facts

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

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is larger than University of Redlands based on total student enrollment (23,069 students vs. 3,087 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is located in San Luis Obispo, CA (Small Suburban setting); University of Redlands is in Redlands, CA (Small City setting).
• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Redlands is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 19:1; University of Redlands 10:1.

Cal Poly vs. University of Redlands Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cal Poly or University of Redlands? 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 University of Redlands ($17,453 vs. $28,482).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Redlands are 3.1% lower than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo ($18,208 vs. $18,792).
• University of Redlands is 347.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cal Poly (about $47,282 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $13,596.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 75.6% higher at University of Redlands than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (about $26,213 more per year; $60,878.00 vs. $34,665.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Redlands than at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (98% vs. 48%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Redlands students is 235.7% larger than aid received by California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo students ($48,134 vs. $14,338).

Cal Poly vs. University of Redlands Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cal Poly or University of Redlands? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Redlands and Cal Poly.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (1320) is 90 points higher than at University of Redlands (1230).
• Incoming Cal Poly students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 24 at University of Redlands).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 1220/1410; University of Redlands 1107/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 26/32; University of Redlands 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cal Poly - Test-free; University of Redlands - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cal Poly Nov 30, 2026; University of Redlands Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cal Poly students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at University of Redlands (3.74).
• University of Redlands has a higher acceptance rate (82.7%) than Cal Poly (31.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.6% at Cal Poly vs. 15.9% at University of Redlands.

Cal Poly vs. University of Redlands Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cal Poly and University of Redlands? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo's six-year graduation rate (75%) is higher than University of Redlands's (70%).
• Graduates from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than University of Redlands graduates about ten years after starting college ($69,400 vs. $56,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduates have a $9,834 lower median loan debt than University of Redlands graduates ($18,666 vs. $28,500).
• Among borrowers, Cal Poly graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Redlands graduates ($193 vs. $294).
• More Cal Poly graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Redlands students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 69%)

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.