Cal Poly SLO vs UC San Diego
How Cal Poly SLO and UC San Diego stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Cal Poly SLO | UC San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 28.8% | 28% |
| Testing policy | Test-blind | Test-blind |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | CA | CA |
| Sticker price (per year) | $27,966 | $42,474 |
| Average cost after aid | $15,800 | $19,500 |
| Supplemental essays | 1 | 4 |
- UC San Diego is harder to get into than Cal Poly SLO (28% versus 28.8%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, Cal Poly SLO is usually the cheaper option ($15,800 versus $19,500 per year on average).
- Both are test-blind, so you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores.
- UC San Diego asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 1), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Cal Poly SLO vs UC San Diego FAQ
Is Cal Poly SLO or UC San Diego harder to get into?
UC San Diego is harder to get into, admitting about 28% of applicants versus 28.8% at Cal Poly SLO.
Is Cal Poly SLO or UC San Diego cheaper?
After financial aid, Cal Poly SLO is usually cheaper, about $15,800 per year on average versus $19,500 at UC San Diego.
See your real chances at Cal Poly SLO and UC San Diego.
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