Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA

Total Enrollment

22,485

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

160

160 programs

Full-Time Students

20,629

930 part-time

Total FTE

21,265

Full-time equivalent students

Student-Faculty Ratio

18:1

Students per faculty member

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large

Major vocational institution

22,485

Total Students

Size compared to other colleges:

200 1K 2K 5K+

Program Diversity 160

High diversity

~141 students per program

Training Capacity

High

Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs

Market Position

Major Player

Among largest colleges nationally

Resource Level

Extensive

Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo operates as a large college with 22,485 students across 160 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 22,485 students, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a large institution offering diverse educational programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 160 specialized programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 20,629 (95.7%)

95.7%

Part-Time Students 930 (4.3%)

Total Students 21,559

Predominantly full-time students (95.7%), typical of traditional academic programs.

Full-Time

Part-Time

Most students (91.7%) attend full-time, indicating a traditional college experience focused on academics.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Women

50.1%

11,261 students

Men

49.9%

11,224 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group

White

49.7%

11,179 students

White

49.7% (11,179)

Hispanic/Latino

22.9% (5,156)

Asian

14.2% (3,202)

Two or More Races

7.8% (1,754)

International Students

1.2% (261)

Black/African American

0.7% (154)

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0.3% (57)

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1% (27)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 22,485 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 50% of the student body (11,179 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

View Academics Page

How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

21,559 students

50% Men, 50% Women

20,629 Full-time 930 Part-time

Diversity Index: 67% • Minority Students: 39%

Graduate students

926 students

52% Men, 48% Women

695 Full-time 231 Part-time

Diversity Index: 68% • Minority Students: 32%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

21,324

All full-time students

10,552 men, 10,772 women

Diversity: 67%

FT Undergraduate

20,629

Full-time undergraduate

10,208 men, 10,421 women

Diversity: 67%

FT Degree-Seeking

20,591

Full-time degree/certificate-seeking

10,191 men, 10,400 women

Diversity: 67%

FT First-Time

5,258

Full-time first-time students

2,374 men, 2,884 women

Diversity: 68%

FT Continuing

15,333

Full-time continuing students

7,817 men, 7,516 women

Diversity: 67%

FT Transfer

838

Full-time transfer students

480 men, 358 women

Diversity: 66%

FT Continuing

14,495

Full-time other continuing

7,337 men, 7,158 women

Diversity: 67%

FT Non-Degree

Full-time non-degree seeking

17 men, 21 women

Diversity: 36%

FT Graduate

695

Full-time graduate students

344 men, 351 women

Diversity: 67%

Part-Time Students

All Part-Time

1,161

All part-time students

672 men, 489 women

Diversity: 68%

PT Undergraduate

930

Part-time undergraduate

538 men, 392 women

Diversity: 67%

PT Degree-Seeking

930

Part-time degree/certificate-seeking

538 men, 392 women

Diversity: 67%

PT First-Time

Part-time first-time students

12 men, 8 women

Diversity: 74%

PT Continuing

910

Part-time continuing students

526 men, 384 women

Diversity: 67%

PT Transfer

Part-time transfer students

7 men, 8 women

Diversity: 71%

PT Continuing

895

Part-time other continuing

519 men, 376 women

Diversity: 66%

PT Graduate

231

Part-time graduate students

134 men, 97 women

Diversity: 70%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

10,704

White

149

Black/African American

4,975

Hispanic/Latino

3,098

Asian

215

International

Diversity Index: 67% Minority Students: 39%

Graduate students

475

White

Black/African American

181

Hispanic/Latino

104

Asian

International

Diversity Index: 68% Minority Students: 32%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

View Student Outcomes

Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

Explore More About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

College Overview

General information

Programs & Degrees

Available study options

Admissions

Requirements & process

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo's Student Body

• Training Environment: Large institution with 22,485 students offering extensive programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

• Study Patterns: Primarily full-time students (91.7%) in a traditional academic setting.

• Academic Intensity: 21,265 FTE students indicates mix of full-time and part-time study patterns.

• Learning Format: Hybrid learning approach with 71% taking some online courses.

• Academic Environment: Good student-faculty ratio (18:1) allows for meaningful instructor interaction.

• Student Diversity: Moderately diverse student community fostering inclusive learning environment.

• Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.

• Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Get Information

Visit Website Admissions Office College Overview

Contact Information

Phone

8057561111

Address

1 Grand Ave.

San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

Student Success

The student body at colleges often includes:

• Working adults seeking career changes
• Recent high school graduates
• Military veterans using education benefits
• Students upgrading skills in their field
• Individuals seeking fast-track credentials