University of California-Riverside vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
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 83/100, a 13-point edge over University of California-Riverside. 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, University of California-Riverside runs $14,304 a year against $16,665 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - $2,361 more a year, or about $9,444 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 $67,699 at University of California-Riverside. The cost earns itself back in 6 years at University of California-Riverside and 3.7 years at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of California-Riverside owing a median $17,500 versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.48 and 0.34 - 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 | University of California-... | California Polytechnic St... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $15,606 | $13,596 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $49,806 | $34,665 |
| Net Price (avg) | $14,304 | $16,665 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $57,216 | $66,660 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $36,800 | $54,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $67,699 | $90,768 |
| Graduation Rate | 76.0% | 86.4% |
| Payback Period | 6 yr | 3.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $17,500 | $18,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $186 | $196 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.48 | 0.34 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 72.7% | 91.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.2% | 88.5% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 76.4% | 31.3% |
| Enrollment | 22,593 | 21,996 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Califo... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $8,852 | $7,529 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $9,840 | $7,253 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $13,111 | $9,896 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $16,571 | $15,786 |
| $110,001+ | $30,393 | $27,772 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Califo... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $117,705 | $154,784 |
| Computer Engineering | $107,193 | $148,950 |
| Electrical Engineering | $102,630 | $125,240 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $72,027 | $110,902 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $90,041 | $109,232 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $93,721 | $106,750 |
| Environmental Engineering | $84,300 | $102,702 |
| Statistics | $78,492 | $101,353 |
| Economics | $66,682 | $98,927 |
| Philosophy | $51,402 | $98,592 |
| Physics | $74,410 | $96,805 |
| Mathematics | $63,596 | $83,187 |
| International Relations | $56,740 | $81,843 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | $59,549 | $78,097 |
| Microbiological Sciences and Immunology | $72,295 | $55,807 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Califo... | California Polytechn... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 92 | 97 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 89 | 98 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 78 | 92 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 86 | 94 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 48 | 97 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 96 |
The Verdict
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the clearly stronger ROI here (96 vs 83) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is noticeably better. That said, if University of California-Riverside is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap 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.
University of California-Riverside
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.