Choosing the right college or university can be a daunting task, especially when comparing two reputable institutions like California State Polytechnic University-Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) and UC Santa Cruz. This comprehensive comparison will cover important aspects such as costs and tuition, admissions, degrees offered, academics, diversity, students, campus, alumni, rankings, and outcomes, providing valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
Cal Poly Pomona Overview
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, or Cal Poly Pomona, is a public university located in Pomona, California. Established in 1938, the university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on applied practice and hands-on learning. Cal Poly Pomona is known for its polytechnic identity and learn-by-doing educational approach, which prepares students for successful careers in various fields.
Cal Poly Pomona Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at Cal Poly Pomona for the 2021-2022 academic year are approximately $7,396 for in-state students and $19,276 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, which can bring the total annual cost of attendance to around $26,998 for in-state students and $38,878 for out-of-state students. Financial aid options are available for qualifying students, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Cal Poly Pomona Admissions
Cal Poly Pomona has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 55%. Factors considered in the admissions process include high school GPA, rigor of courses completed, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experiences. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.93, and the average SAT and ACT scores are 1165 and 24, respectively.
Cal Poly Pomona Degrees Offered
Cal Poly Pomona offers more than 150 academic programs, including 94 undergraduate majors and 39 graduate programs. Some of the most popular majors at the university include engineering, business administration, agriculture, visual and performing arts, and computer and information sciences. The university also offers several interdisciplinary programs, allowing students to customize their educational experience.
Cal Poly Pomona Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 28:1, Cal Poly Pomona provides an engaging academic environment that encourages active learning and collaboration. The university’s learn-by-doing approach emphasizes hands-on experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. This approach, combined with a dedicated and experienced faculty, prepares students for success in their careers and helps them develop valuable professional skills.
Cal Poly Pomona Diversity
Cal Poly Pomona is known for its diverse student population, with students from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the university’s Fall 2020 enrollment data, 44.7% of the student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, 22.4% as Asian, 14.6% as White, and 4.3% as African American. The university also has a relatively equal gender distribution, with 53.2% of students identifying as male and 46.8% as female.
Cal Poly Pomona Students
Cal Poly Pomona has a total enrollment of over 26,000 students, including approximately 24,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. The university offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in campus life through clubs, organizations, and recreational activities. The campus also provides various resources and support services, such as academic advising, career services, health and wellness services, and disability support services.
Cal Poly Pomona Campus
Cal Poly Pomona’s 1,438-acre campus is the second largest in the California State University system, featuring modern facilities, recreational spaces, and scenic landscapes. The campus is home to the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center, the Voorhis Ecological Reserve, and the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies, which showcase the university’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Cal Poly Pomona Alumni
Notable Cal Poly Pomona alumni include NASA astronaut Eugene Trinh, software engineer and entrepreneur Luis von Ahn, and fashion designer Michael Costello. The university’s strong alumni network provides valuable connections and resources for current students and graduates, including mentorship opportunities, networking events, and career support.
Cal Poly Pomona Rankings
Cal Poly Pomona is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation. According to the 2021 US News & World Report, the university ranks #3 among top public schools in the West and #10 among regional universities in the West. Cal Poly Pomona is also recognized for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs.
Cal Poly Pomona Outcomes
Cal Poly Pomona boasts a strong track record of successful outcomes for its graduates. According to the university’s 2019-2020 First Destination Survey, 82% of respondents were employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for Cal Poly Pomona graduates is around $52,000.
UC Santa Cruz Overview
The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a public research university located in Santa Cruz, California. Established in 1965, UCSC is known for its picturesque campus, interdisciplinary academic programs, and commitment to social and environmental issues. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
UC Santa Cruz Costs & Tuition
Tuition and fees at UC Santa Cruz for the 2021-2022 academic year are approximately $13,960 for in-state students and $41,196 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include housing, meals, books, and personal expenses, which can bring the total annual cost of attendance to around $36,114 for in-state students and $63,350 for out-of-state students. Financial aid options are available for qualifying students, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
UC Santa Cruz Admissions
UC Santa Cruz has a competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of around 51%. Factors considered in the admissions process include high school GPA, rigor of courses completed, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, community service, and leadership experiences. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.94, and the average SAT and ACT scores are 1275 and 28, respectively.
UC Santa Cruz Degrees Offered
UCSC offers over 60 undergraduate majors and more than 40 graduate programs across its various divisions and schools. Some of the most popular majors at the university include psychology, sociology, biology, computer science, and business management economics. UCSC is also known for its interdisciplinary programs and research opportunities, allowing students to engage in collaborative and innovative projects.
UC Santa Cruz Academics
UC Santa Cruz has a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1, providing an engaging and supportive academic environment. The university emphasizes small class sizes and personalized learning experiences, allowing students to build strong relationships with their professors and peers. UCSC’s commitment to research and innovation also provides students with valuable opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking projects and develop critical thinking skills.
UC Santa Cruz Diversity
UC Santa Cruz has a diverse student population, with students from various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. According to the university’s Fall 2020 enrollment data, 35.3% of the student population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, 26.1% as White, 24.9% as Asian, and 2.9% as African American. The university also has a relatively equal gender distribution, with 50.9% of students identifying as female and 49.1% as male.
UC Santa Cruz Students
UC Santa Cruz has a total enrollment of over 19,000 students, including approximately 17,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students. The university offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved in campus life through clubs, organizations, and recreational activities. The campus also provides various resources and support services, such as academic advising, career services, health and wellness services, and disability support services.
UC Santa Cruz Campus
UCSC’s 2,000-acre campus is located on the beautiful California coast, offering stunning views of the Monterey Bay and surrounding redwood forests. The campus is known for its unique residential college system, which provides students with a smaller, tight-knit community within the larger university setting. This system fosters a sense of belonging and encourages students to engage in leadership and extracurricular activities.
UC Santa Cruz Alumni
Notable UC Santa Cruz alumni include actress Maya Rudolph, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hector Tobar, and YouTube co-founder Steve Chen. The university’s strong alumni network provides valuable connections and resources for current students and graduates, including mentorship opportunities, networking events, and career support.
UC Santa Cruz Rankings
UC Santa Cruz is consistently ranked among the top public universities in the nation. According to the 2021 US News & World Report, the university ranks #33 among top public schools in the United States and #93 among national universities. UCSC is also recognized for its strong research programs and commitment to social mobility.
UC Santa Cruz Outcomes
UC Santa Cruz has a strong track record of successful outcomes for its graduates. According to the university’s 2019-2020 First Destination Survey, 81% of respondents were employed or pursuing further education within one year of graduation. The average starting salary for UC Santa Cruz graduates is around $57,000.
Cal Poly Pomona vs UC Santa Cruz Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Cal Poly Pomona and UC Santa Cruz, it’s important to consider both tuition and fees as well as additional expenses like housing, meals, books, and personal expenses. For in-state students, Cal Poly Pomona has a lower total annual cost of attendance at $26,998 compared to UC Santa Cruz’s $36,114. For out-of-state students, Cal Poly Pomona’s total annual cost of attendance is $38,878, while UC Santa Cruz’s is higher at $63,350. Both universities offer financial aid options to help offset these costs, such as grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
Cal Poly Pomona vs UC Santa Cruz Admissions Difficulty
Both Cal Poly Pomona and UC Santa Cruz have competitive admissions processes, with acceptance rates of around 55% and 51%, respectively. While both universities consider similar factors in their admissions decisions, such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities, UC Santa Cruz generally admits students with slightly higher average GPA and test scores. However, it’s important to remember that these statistics are only one part of the admissions process, and individual experiences and qualifications will vary.
Cal Poly Pomona vs UC Santa Cruz Academic Difficulty
Both Cal Poly Pomona and UC Santa Cruz are known for their rigorous academic programs, with an emphasis on research, innovation, and hands-on learning experiences. While UC Santa Cruz may have slightly higher average GPAs and test scores among admitted students, both universities offer challenging and engaging courses that prepare students for successful careers. The choice between the two will largely depend on personal preferences, such as the specific major or program of interest and the learning environment that best suits the individual’s needs.
Cal Poly Pomona vs UC Santa Cruz Outcome Comparison
Both Cal Poly Pomona and UC Santa Cruz have strong outcomes for their graduates, with employment or further education rates of 82% and 81%, respectively, within one year of graduation. The average starting salaries for Cal Poly Pomona and UC Santa Cruz graduates are $52,000 and $57,000, respectively. While UC Santa Cruz graduates may have slightly higher starting salaries on average, both universities prepare their students well for successful careers and further education. Ultimately, the choice between Cal Poly Pomona and UC Santa Cruz will depend on factors such as personal preferences, academic interests, and campus environment.
