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California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo
  • 4 Year
  • SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
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CollegeGrad School
The California State University
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo
#58 in Top Public Universities in America
  • A minus
    Overall Grade
  • 4 Year
  • SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
  • 3,950 reviews
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    California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo Campus Life

    Housing

    Dorms
    B minus
    Based on housing cost, capacity, student reviews and additional factors.
    On-Campus Housing Available
    Yes
    Freshmen Required to Live on Campus
    No
    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    Undergrads in College Housing
    35%
    Average Housing Cost
    $9,642 / year
    Poll
    56%
    of students say overall dorm quality is great. 752 responses
    Poll
    71%
    of students say the dorms' social atmosphere is great. 354 responses
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    Food

    Campus Food
    C minus
    Based on meal plan cost and student reviews on the food.
    Meal Plan Available
    Yes
    Average Meal Plan Cost
    $6,138 / year
    Poll
    What are the best food options on campus?
    Based on 746 responses
    • Einsteins
      22%
    • Jamba Juice
      13%
    • Red radish
      11%
    • Subway
      10%
    • Sandwich Factory
      10%
    • Burger Bar
      9%
    • Lucy's
      7%
    23%
    of students highly rate the dining facilities. 236 responses

    Campus Quality

    Campus
    B minus
    Based on quality of housing, food services, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Life
    A
    Based on campus diversity, social scene, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Poll
    What is your overall opinion of your school and the campus community?
    Based on 198 responses
    • I love everything about my school and have a lot of campus pride.
      38%
    • I like mostly everything about my school, but there are some things I wish were different.
      56%
    • The school community is okay-we're all just here for an education, nothing more.
      4%
    • I hate my school and have no school spirit.
      2%

    Safety

    Safety
    B
    Based on crimes on campus, local area crime rates, and student reviews.
    Poll
    90%
    of students say they feel extremely safe and secure on campus. 249 responses
    Poll
    How does peer pressure affect students' use of drugs and alcohol?
    Based on 150 responses
    • You can have a great social life without drugs or alcohol.
      40%
    • Most people partake in some form, but no one treats you differently if you don't.
      47%
    • You'll definitely feel a little awkward if you don't drink.
      11%
    • If you don't partake, you're left out.
      2%
    Poll
    How visible are the campus police on campus?
    Based on 205 responses
    • Extremely present and willing to assist students.
      25%
    • There if you need them but not overbearing.
      44%
    • Just there to bust up parties or give out parking tickets.
      24%
    • Not very visible.
      5%
    • We have campus police?
      1%

    Sports

    Poll
    How popular are varsity sports on campus?
    Based on 372 responses
    • Almost everything on campus revolves around them.
      0%
    • Varsity sports are a big part of campus life.
      29%
    • Varsity sporting events are attended, but not a huge part of campus life.
      66%
    • No one pays attention to varsity sports.
      5%
    Men's Varsity Sports
    All Track Combined, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Wrestling
    Women's Varsity Sports
    All Track Combined, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Volleyball

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs Offered
    Campus Ministries, Dance, Drama/Theater, International Student Organizations, Literary Magazine, Model UN, Radio Station, Student Government, Newspaper, Film Society, Television Station
    Music
    Choral Groups, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Music Ensembles, Musical Theater, Opera, Pep Band, Symphony Orchestra
    Poll
    What are your favorite campus events or traditions?
    Based on 275 responses
    • Week of Welcome (WOW)
      24%
    • Cal Poly vs. UCSB Soccer game
      22%
    • The P
      19%
    • Open House
      11%
    • Design Village
      7%
    • Halloweek
      6%
    • Parent's Weekend
      3%
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    Party Scene

    Party Scene
    A
    Based on access to bars and student reviews on the party scene.
    Poll
    What is the party scene like on campus?
    Based on 222 responses
    • Tons of raging parties almost any night of the week.
      5%
    • Lots of options Wednesday-Saturday.
      41%
    • Some decent frat/house parties, weekends only.
      41%
    • Good parties are few and far between.
      2%
    • Parties? What parties?
      10%
    Poll
    What is the biggest social event of the year?
    Based on 129 responses
    • Wow week
      39%
    • St. Fratty's Day
      38%
    • Halloween
      12%
    • Farmers market
      4%
    • Graduation
      2%
    • No parties happen
      2%
    • Saint Fratties
      2%

    Greek Life

    Men in Fraternities
    7%
    Women in Sororities
    12%
    63%
    of students say that Greek life is average, and no one will treat you differently if you don't join. 309 responses
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