California State University-Sacramento vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo holds a 13-point ROI advantage over California State University-Sacramento, scoring 96/100 versus 83/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, California State University-Sacramento comes in at $9,338 per year (net price after aid) versus $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - a difference of $7,327 annually, or roughly $29,308 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn a median of $90,768 compared to $64,876 at California State University-Sacramento. The payback period is 5.9 years at California State University-Sacramento versus 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Graduates leave California State University-Sacramento with a median $15,000 in debt versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.36 and 0.34 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California State Universi... | California Polytechnic St... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $8,018 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,618 | $34,665 |
| Net Price (avg) | $9,338 | $16,665 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $37,352 | $66,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,800 | $54,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $64,876 | $90,768 |
| Graduation Rate | 56.3% | 86.4% |
| Payback Period | 5.9 yr | 3.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $15,000 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $159 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.36 | 0.34 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 74.9% | 91.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.7% | 88.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 94.0% | 31.3% |
| Enrollment | 28,350 | 21,996 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California State Uni... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $6,501 | $7,529 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $7,001 | $7,253 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $9,212 | $9,896 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $11,814 | $15,786 |
| $110,001+ | $18,861 | $27,772 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California State Uni... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $92,519 | $154,784 |
| Computer Engineering | $104,394 | $148,950 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,512 | $125,240 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,636 | $110,902 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,878 | $106,750 |
| Civil Engineering | $93,973 | $101,072 |
| Economics | $70,290 | $98,927 |
| Philosophy | $65,115 | $98,592 |
| Physics | $64,133 | $96,805 |
| Mathematics | $59,162 | $83,187 |
| International Relations | $60,278 | $81,843 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $66,885 | $78,097 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,404 | $75,223 |
| Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies | $59,041 | $75,181 |
| Chemistry | $74,430 | $63,882 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Uni... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 96 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 91 | 92 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 53 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 54 | 97 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 96 |
The Verdict
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has a meaningfully higher ROI score (96 vs 83). Graduates earn more relative to cost, and the financial return is noticeably stronger. That said, if California State University-Sacramento offers a significantly better program in your intended major, it could still be the better financial choice for you specifically.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
California State University-Sacramento
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Exceptional 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.