California Polytechnic State University Tuition and Fees Structure
Cal Poly makes every effort to keep costs to a minimum, and we are proud of our consistently high rankings as a best value college for the money and proven return on investment.
Estimated Costs for the Academic Year
Your costs of attendance will vary depending on your program, residency status and living arrangements. Our estimates represent the average cost for a student to attend Cal Poly for one academic year.
Undergraduate California Residents
| Living on or off Campus | Living With Parents | |
| Fees* | $10,194 | $10,194 |
| Total Tuition and Fees | $10,194 | $10,194 |
| Books | $681 | $681 |
| Supplies | $207 | $207 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,377 | $6,207 |
| Transportation | $711 | $711 |
| Personal/Misc. | $1,479 | $1,479 |
| Estimated Loan Fees | $72 | $72 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $29,721 | $19,551 |
About CA Resident Cost Estimates
*Registration Fees: Fees are based on full-time enrollment for the fall, winter and spring quarters and are subject to change.
Books & Supplies: Your costs may vary depending on the courses you are taking each quarter.
Housing & Meals: First-year students are required to live on-campus and purchase a meal plan. Actual costs of room and board will vary depending on where you live and what meal plan you choose. Continuing students may live on-or off-campus and have the option to purchase a meal plan. A typical one-bedroom apartment in San Luis Obispo costs $1350/month. Many students living off-campus have roommates in order to keep their housing costs more affordable. Actual costs of room and board will vary depending on where you live and what meal plan you choose.
Transportation/Personal/Misc: Based on reasonable but modest costs in regards to transportation, clothing, recreation and living expenses. Your costs may vary depending on lifestyle.
Loan Fees: Federal Loan borrowers have estimated loan fees added to the cost of attendance.
Non-Resident Undergraduate
| Living on or off Campus | |
| Registration Fees* | $10,194 |
| Non-residential Tuition** | $11,880 |
| Opportunity Fee*** for non-residents | $6,030 |
| Total Tuition and Fees | $28,104 |
| Books | $681 |
| Supplies | $207 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,377 |
| Transportation | $711 |
| Personal/Misc. | $1,479 |
| Estimated Loan Fees | $72 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $47,631 |
About Non-Resident Cost Estimates
*Registration Fees: Fees are based on full-time enrollment for the fall, winter and spring quarters and are subject to change.
**Non-Resident Tuition: In addition to your tuition, there will be an annual opportunity fee and an additional $264 per unit. We base our estimates on the assumption that you will take 15 units per quarter. Your actual amount will vary depending on the number of units you take per quarter.
***Opportunity Fee: This fee will be lower if you started before Fall 2021.
Books & Supplies: Your costs may vary depending on the courses you are taking each quarter.
Housing & Meals: Transfer students may live on-or off-campus and have the option to purchase a meal plan. A typical one-bedroom apartment in San Luis Obispo costs $1350/month. Many students living off-campus have roommates in order to keep their housing costs more affordable. Actual costs of room and board will vary depending on where you live and what meal plan you choose.
Transportation/Personal/Misc: Based on reasonable but modest costs in regards to transportation, clothing, recreation and living expenses. Your costs may vary depending on lifestyle.
Loan Fees: Federal Loan borrowers have estimated loan fees added to the cost of attendance.
International Undergraduate
| Living on or off Campus | |
| Registration Fees* | $10,194 |
| Non-residential Tuition** | $11,880 |
| International Fee | $900 |
| Mandatory Health Insurance | $1,416 |
| Opportunity Fee*** | $6,030 |
| Total Tuition and Fees | $30,420 |
| Books | $681 |
| Supplies | $207 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,377 |
| Transportation | $711 |
| Personal/Misc. | $1,479 |
| Total Cost of Attendance | $49,875 |
About International Student Cost Estimates
*Registration Fees: Fees for California residents are based on full-time enrollment for the fall, winter and spring quarters and are subject to change.
**Non-Resident Tuition: In addition to your tuition, there will be an annual opportunity fee and an additional $264 per unit. We base our estimates on the assumption that you will take 15 units per quarter. Your actual amount will vary depending on the number of units you take per quarter.
***Opportunity Fee: This fee will be lower if you started before Fall 2021.
International Fees: International students will pay non-resident tuition plus an additional fee of $900 annually. You will also be charged for the mandatory health insurance plan.
Books & Supplies: Your costs may vary depending on the courses you are taking each quarter.
Housing & Meals: Continuing students may live on-or off-campus and have the option to purchase a meal plan. A typical one-bedroom apartment in San Luis Obispo costs $1350/month. Many students living off-campus have roommates in order to keep their housing costs more affordable. Actual costs of room and board will vary depending on where you live and what meal plan you choose.
Transportation/Personal/Misc: Based on reasonable but modest costs in regards to transportation, clothing, recreation and living expenses. Your costs may vary depending on lifestyle.
Loan Fees: Federal Loan borrowers have estimated loan fees added to the cost of attendance.