Deciding on the right college or university can be a challenging task. In this comparison, we will evaluate two well-known institutions: Arizona State University (ASU) and California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). By examining each school’s overview, costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, student life, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes, we hope to provide you with a comprehensive understanding and insight into these excellent institutions.
Arizona State University Overview
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university with its main campus located in Tempe, Arizona. Founded in 1885, ASU is known for its innovation and commitment to sustainability. The university offers over 350 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 17 colleges and schools, serving more than 70,000 students annually. ASU is also recognized for its online education programs, providing flexibility and accessibility for students worldwide.
Arizona State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attending ASU for an in-state undergraduate student is $27,944, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $54,954. Graduate students can expect to pay approximately $12,638 per year for in-state tuition and $26,956 for out-of-state tuition. ASU offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students offset the costs of attendance.
Arizona State University Admissions
Arizona State University has a relatively high acceptance rate of roughly 86.5%. Admission requirements vary depending on the specific program and applicant’s background, but typically include a high school diploma or GED, strong academic performance, and completion of core competency courses. Prospective students must also submit SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Arizona State University Degrees Offered
ASU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its 17 colleges and schools. Popular majors include Business, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. The university is also known for its strong research programs, particularly in the fields of sustainability, renewable energy, and space exploration.
Arizona State University Academics
Arizona State University is committed to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for career success. The university boasts a student-faculty ratio of 19:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty. ASU also offers a variety of academic resources, including tutoring, academic advising, and career services, to help students succeed both academically and professionally.
Arizona State University Diversity
ASU is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. The university has a diverse student body, with students hailing from all 50 states and over 130 countries. To support its diverse population, ASU offers various resources and programs, such as the Multicultural Student Services, which provides cultural programming, resources, and support for underrepresented students.
Arizona State University Students
Arizona State University has a lively and active student community, with over 1,000 student organizations and clubs catering to various interests and passions. ASU students can take part in various extracurricular activities, such as sports, community service projects, and cultural events, making it easy to connect with peers and enjoy a well-rounded college experience.
Arizona State University Campus
ASU’s main campus in Tempe covers 661 acres and features state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and recreational spaces. The campus also offers a variety of on-campus housing options, dining services, and transportation services to cater to the diverse needs of its students. In addition to its main campus, ASU has four other campuses throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, providing students with opportunities to engage with different communities and access additional resources.
Arizona State University Alumni
ASU boasts a strong network of more than 500,000 alumni, including notable figures such as author and poet Alberto Ríos, journalist and news anchor Savannah Guthrie, and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Alumni can take advantage of various resources and support services, such as career counseling, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Arizona State University Rankings
ASU is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and innovation. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, ASU was ranked #103 in National Universities, #46 in Top Public Schools, and #1 in Innovation. The university is also ranked highly in specific program areas, such as #24 for Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs and #11 for Best Online MBA Programs.
Arizona State University Outcomes
Graduates of Arizona State University benefit from strong career prospects and outcomes. According to ASU’s 2020-2021 post-graduation survey, 87% of undergraduate students secured employment or continued their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for ASU graduates is $50,738, indicating a solid return on investment for students.
California Polytechnic State University Overview
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. Founded in 1901, Cal Poly is known for its hands-on, experiential learning approach and strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Cal Poly offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across six colleges, serving over 21,000 students annually.
California Polytechnic State University Costs & Tuition
For the 2021-2022 academic year, the estimated cost of attendance for an in-state undergraduate student at Cal Poly is $30,732, which includes tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other expenses. Out-of-state students can expect to pay around $43,668. Graduate students can expect to pay approximately $11,916 per year for in-state tuition and $23,544 for out-of-state tuition. Cal Poly offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs to help students afford their education.
California Polytechnic State University Admissions
Admission to Cal Poly is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 28%. Admission requirements vary depending on the specific program and applicant’s background, but typically include a high school diploma or GED, strong academic performance, and completion of required coursework. Prospective students must also submit SAT or ACT scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
California Polytechnic State University Degrees Offered
Cal Poly offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across its six colleges: College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; College of Architecture and Environmental Design; College of Engineering; College of Liberal Arts; College of Science and Mathematics; and Orfalea College of Business. Popular majors at Cal Poly include Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Architecture, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
California Polytechnic State University Academics
Cal Poly’s unique “Learn by Doing” philosophy emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning, providing students with valuable real-world skills and experiences. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, allowing for personalized attention and support from faculty. Cal Poly also offers a variety of academic resources, including tutoring, academic advising, and career services, to help students succeed both academically and professionally.
California Polytechnic State University Diversity
Cal Poly is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment. The university’s student body is diverse, with students hailing from various states and countries. Cal Poly offers various resources and programs to support its diverse population, such as the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, which provides educational programs, resources, and advocacy for underrepresented students.
California Polytechnic State University Students
Cal Poly students have many opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities, with over 300 student organizations and clubs catering to various interests and passions. Students can participate in sports, community service projects, and cultural events, making it easy to connect with peers and enjoy a well-rounded college experience.
California Polytechnic State University Campus
Cal Poly’s picturesque 9,678-acre campus in San Luis Obispo features state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and recreational spaces. The campus offers a variety of on-campus housing options, dining services, and transportation services to cater to the diverse needs of its students.
California Polytechnic State University Alumni
Cal Poly boasts a strong network of over 200,000 alumni, including notable figures such as author and entrepreneur Guy Kawasaki, astronaut Robert L. Gibson, and former U.S. Representative Lois Capps. Alumni can take advantage of various resources and support services, such as career counseling, networking events, and lifelong learning opportunities.
California Polytechnic State University Rankings
Cal Poly is consistently recognized for its academic excellence and hands-on learning approach. In the 2021 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges rankings, Cal Poly was ranked #3 in Regional Universities West, #1 in Top Public Schools, and #6 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs. The university is also ranked highly in specific program areas, such as #1 for Best Architecture Program and #4 for Best Undergraduate Business Program.
California Polytechnic State University Outcomes
Graduates of Cal Poly enjoy strong career prospects and outcomes. According to Cal Poly’s 2019-2020 post-graduation survey, 91% of undergraduate students secured employment or continued their education within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Cal Poly graduates is $62,000, indicating a solid return on investment for students.
Arizona State University vs California Polytechnic State University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending ASU and Cal Poly, it is important to consider the total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other expenses. For in-state undergraduate students, Cal Poly’s total cost of attendance is slightly higher at $30,732 compared to ASU’s $27,944. However, for out-of-state students, ASU’s total cost of attendance is significantly higher at $54,954 compared to Cal Poly’s $43,668.
Arizona State University vs California Polytechnic State University Admissions Difficulty
Both Arizona State University and California Polytechnic State University have competitive admissions processes, but Cal Poly is notably more selective, with an acceptance rate of about 28%. ASU, on the other hand, has a higher acceptance rate of approximately 86.5%. While both schools have rigorous admission requirements, prospective students should be aware of the difference in acceptance rates when considering their chances of admission.
Arizona State University vs California Polytechnic State University Academic Difficulty
Both ASU and Cal Poly are known for their high-quality academics and commitment to student success. However, Cal Poly’s focus on hands-on, experiential learning and its emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines may make its programs more challenging for some students. Additionally, Cal Poly’s smaller class sizes and more personalized faculty support may contribute to a higher level of academic rigor compared to ASU’s larger student population and broader range of degree programs.
Arizona State University vs California Polytechnic State University Outcome Comparison
When it comes to post-graduation outcomes, both ASU and Cal Poly graduates enjoy strong career prospects and high starting salaries. However, Cal Poly graduates seem to have a slight edge, with a 91% employment or continued education rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $62,000. ASU graduates also fare well, with an 87% employment or continued education rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of $50,738. Ultimately, both institutions provide an excellent education and solid return on investment for students.
