Choosing between two prestigious institutions such as Cal Poly and UC Davis can be a challenging decision for prospective students. In this article, we will explore and compare various aspects of both schools, including costs and tuition, admissions, degree offerings, academics, diversity, campus life, and more. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences and similarities between Cal Poly and UC Davis, enabling you to make an informed decision about your higher education journey.
Cal Poly Overview
California Polytechnic State University, also known as Cal Poly, is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. Cal Poly is well-known for its “Learn by Doing” philosophy and focuses on providing students with hands-on experience in their chosen fields. With a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the university offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.
Cal Poly Costs & Tuition
The average annual cost for in-state students at Cal Poly is approximately $26,000, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $40,000. This includes tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 50% of the student population receiving some form of financial assistance.
Cal Poly Admissions
Cal Poly has a selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 30%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and a personal statement. Additional requirements may vary depending on the program of interest.
Cal Poly Degrees Offered
Cal Poly offers over 60 undergraduate degrees and 30 graduate degrees across 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.
Cal Poly Academics
The university has a strong focus on STEM education and is especially renowned for its engineering, architecture, and agriculture programs. Cal Poly emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, ensuring students graduate with the skills needed to excel in their chosen careers.
Cal Poly Diversity
Cal Poly is working to increase diversity on campus, with various programs and initiatives aimed at attracting and supporting underrepresented students. As of 2021, the university has a total enrollment of over 21,000 students, with around 50% identifying as white and 50% identifying as minority or international students.
Cal Poly Students
Cal Poly students are known for their strong work ethic and dedication to their studies. The campus offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports teams.
Cal Poly Campus
The Cal Poly campus is located on 9,678 acres in the picturesque city of San Luis Obispo. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities and resources designed to support the university’s hands-on learning approach.
Cal Poly Alumni
Notable alumni from Cal Poly include astronauts Robert Crippen and Victor Glover, architects Art Gensler and Thom Mayne, and entrepreneur Courtney Reum.
Cal Poly Rankings
Cal Poly consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Cal Poly ranks 3rd in “Regional Universities West” and 1st in “Top Public Schools” in the same region for 2021.
Cal Poly Outcomes
Cal Poly graduates enjoy high employment rates post-graduation, with 85% of students securing full-time employment or continuing their education within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Cal Poly alumni is approximately $62,000, depending on the field of study.
UC Davis Overview
The University of California, Davis, also known as UC Davis, is a public research university located in Davis, California. As a member of the prestigious University of California system, UC Davis is renowned for its strong research programs and commitment to providing a high-quality education to its students. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its ten colleges and schools.
UC Davis Costs & Tuition
The average annual cost for in-state students at UC Davis is approximately $35,000, while out-of-state students can expect to pay around $61,000. This includes tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Financial aid is available for eligible students, with around 70% of the student population receiving some form of financial assistance.
UC Davis Admissions
UC Davis has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 39%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and personal insight questions. Additional requirements may vary depending on the program of interest.
UC Davis Degrees Offered
UC Davis offers over 100 undergraduate majors and 90 graduate programs across ten colleges and schools: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences; College of Biological Sciences; College of Engineering; College of Letters and Science; Graduate School of Management; School of Education; School of Law; School of Medicine; School of Nursing; and School of Veterinary Medicine.
UC Davis Academics
The university is well-known for its strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science. UC Davis is also recognized for its commitment to research, with numerous research centers and institutes on campus.
UC Davis Diversity
UC Davis is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. As of 2021, the university has a total enrollment of over 39,000 students, with around 34% identifying as white, 29% as Asian, 21% as Hispanic or Latino, and the remaining as other ethnicities or international students.
UC Davis Students
UC Davis students are known for their academic achievements and involvement in various campus activities. The campus offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in clubs, organizations, and sports teams.
UC Davis Campus
The UC Davis campus is located on 5,300 acres in the vibrant city of Davis. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including research centers, laboratories, and recreational areas.
UC Davis Alumni
Notable alumni from UC Davis include author and journalist Mark Fainaru-Wada, chef Martin Yan, and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Cruz Reynoso.
UC Davis Rankings
UC Davis consistently ranks among the top public universities in the United States. According to the U.S. News and World Report, UC Davis ranks 39th in “National Universities” and 11th in “Top Public Schools” for 2021.
UC Davis Outcomes
UC Davis graduates have successful career outcomes, with 79% of students securing full-time employment or continuing their education within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for UC Davis alumni is approximately $58,000, depending on the field of study.
Cal Poly vs UC Davis Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Cal Poly and UC Davis, it’s essential to consider tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. Cal Poly has a lower average annual cost for in-state students at approximately $26,000, while UC Davis’ in-state cost is around $35,000. For out-of-state students, Cal Poly’s cost is around $40,000, and UC Davis’ cost is approximately $61,000. Both schools offer financial aid options for eligible students.
Cal Poly vs UC Davis Admissions Difficulty
Both Cal Poly and UC Davis have competitive admissions processes, with Cal Poly having a slightly lower acceptance rate of around 30% compared to UC Davis’ rate of 39%. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and personal statements or insight questions for both schools. Admissions difficulty may vary depending on the program of interest, but overall, both institutions maintain high academic standards for their applicants.
Cal Poly vs UC Davis Academic Difficulty
As both schools are known for their strong academic programs and commitment to high-quality education, students at Cal Poly and UC Davis can expect to face challenging coursework. Both institutions emphasize research and hands-on experiences, ensuring that their graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers. The academic difficulty at Cal Poly and UC Davis will depend on the specific program, but both schools are considered to have rigorous academic standards.
Cal Poly vs UC Davis Outcome Comparison
Upon graduation, both Cal Poly and UC Davis students have successful career outcomes. Cal Poly boasts a slightly higher post-graduation employment or continuing education rate of 85%, compared to UC Davis’ rate of 79%. The average starting salary for Cal Poly graduates is approximately $62,000, while UC Davis alumni earn an average starting salary of about $58,000. Both schools provide their students with the resources and education necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.
