California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs Clemson University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo comes out ahead: 96/100 to 86/100, a 10-point edge over Clemson University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo runs $16,665 a year against $22,253 at Clemson University - $5,588 more a year, or about $22,352 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn a median $90,768 against $71,513 at Clemson University. The cost earns itself back in 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and 6.3 years at Clemson University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo owing a median $18,500 versus $21,500 at Clemson University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.34 and 0.45 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California Polytechnic St... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,596 | $15,554 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $34,665 | $40,866 |
| Net Price (avg) | $16,665 | $22,253 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $66,660 | $89,012 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $54,700 | $48,100 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $90,768 | $71,513 |
| Graduation Rate | 86.4% | 86.6% |
| Payback Period | 3.7 yr | 6.3 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,500 | $21,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $196 | $228 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.34 | 0.45 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 91.5% | 83.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 88.5% | 82.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 31.3% | 38.3% |
| Enrollment | 21,996 | 23,300 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California Polytechn... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,529 | $13,607 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,253 | $14,109 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,896 | $18,851 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $15,786 | $24,833 |
| $110,001+ | $27,772 | $27,922 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California Polytechn... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering | $148,950 | $102,762 |
| Electrical Engineering | $125,240 | $96,446 |
| Construction Management | $118,331 | $98,726 |
| Industrial Engineering | $112,797 | $92,491 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $110,902 | $70,059 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $109,232 | $93,705 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $106,750 | $91,028 |
| Environmental Engineering | $102,702 | $81,714 |
| Civil Engineering | $101,072 | $84,873 |
| Materials Engineering | $100,599 | $85,883 |
| Economics | $98,927 | $79,468 |
| Agricultural Engineering | $92,603 | $88,338 |
| Agricultural Business and Management | $88,396 | $67,050 |
| Mathematics | $83,187 | $82,450 |
| Plant Sciences | $82,487 | $52,844 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California Polytechn... | Clemson University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 97 | 83 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 98 | 88 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 92 | 82 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 97 | 83 |
| Overall ROI Score | 96 | 86 |
The Verdict
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the clearly stronger ROI here (96 vs 86) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if Clemson University is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Exceptional Value - Full profile and breakdown
Clemson University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.