University

California Polytechnic State University

(473 reviews)

1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

California Polytechnic State University

Overview

Educating both the head and the hand has been at the heart of everything we do since 1901. Today, we are the world’s leader in Learn by Doing education.

Features

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Services

Working Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday 11 AM–1 PM

Location

Reviews

GK
Greg K

I came back to campus for a job fair and was surprised at all the new buildings. It looks great. I graduated in 1999 and it looks like a new campus with all the changes. It is a great school to go to and is in a beautiful setting. “Learn by Doing” is the school motto and it really helped with my education while there.

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Carlos Sinner

If you’re debating between Cal Poly SLO and UC Davis, I’ve experienced both systems — and the difference is night and day. At Cal Poly, you get what UC Davis only markets: real education, real outcomes, and real support. Professors actually teach. The “Learn by Doing” motto isn’t a gimmick — it’s how the school runs. Students graduate with skills, not just debt. Meanwhile at UC Davis, I dealt with theory-heavy lectures, checked-out advisors, and endless bureaucracy. Career prep felt more like a brochure bullet point than a real priority. Cal Poly grads leave with portfolios, internships, and job offers. UC Davis grads? Many leave with disillusionment and $58k median income after 10 years. at UC Davis, it felt like Temple Run: nonstop dodging of politics, egos, backroom games, and performative campus culture. Speak your mind the wrong way? You’re out. Need help? Get in line behind the branding team. The culture here is grounded, focused, and non-performative. At Davis, it was groupthink, theatrical activism, and optics over outcome. If you’re serious about learning, building, and getting hired — Cal Poly wins, period…

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Regina Hockert

Absolutely beautiful. Everyone is very happy, friendly, and willing to help out. From the students to the staff they are willing to go out of their way to help you. Some of the housing is older and looks a rundown on the exterior, but the interior is well kept. The campus is compact enough where you can easierly walk from one end to the other, but has enough space that it doesn't feel crowded. Great dining options for dietary needs, gluten free, vegan, and any other allergies. They are constantly updating and remodeling, taking surveys from students to see what they want on campus. A great place!

MA
Monte Armstrong

Great looking campus and friendly staff. Graduation ceremonies flowed exceptionally well and water bottles were provided. Parking is a tad inadequate and classes are often located across campus and back again. I wonder if a transit system could be implemented to help provide a way for students to get across campus between classes.

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A top rated engineering school geared toward undergraduate studies that espouses a learning-by-doing approach. Not only is it a top rated school, it's also located on the California central coast, one of the most beautiful places in the US.

MA
Michael Areklett

Hosted welcome party for the new students at Cal Poly. Great experience and everyone had a great time.

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Steve Zamek

Beautiful campus surrounded by hills. Dorms close to the campus center. Extensive sports facilities and food courts.

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Iris Saavedra

What a beautiful campus! I was able to attend my brothers graduation. He is a proud alumni, campus wrote an article about him and his success 🙌 campus is so close to so many natural beauties, I highly recommend stopping at the beach and sand dunes! …

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Galendar Singh

Recently visited the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. The campus looks amazing and has great views.

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John zimmerman

Excellent University with diverse curriculums One of the best high-tech universities in California For the cost I would highly recommend Cal poly over any of the other universities in California you get an excellent education for low cost and employers are impressed by Cal poly's curriculum

JH
John Hale

Happiest, friendliest place I’ve ever been. Students radiate health and good feelings, beautiful setting.

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joyce cory

Great area to bird!! Also one of the finest Universities in the United States.

JH
Julian Haro

-Clean campus -nearby hiking trail has scenic views -highly rated education amongst other cal state campuses

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Jay D

What the athletic department is doing to Olympic sports like swimming is utterly revolting.

CT
Cara Tan

Beautiful campus, nice people, pretty easy to get around. Love their "learn by doing" philosophy and can tell it's very much alive and …

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Shannon Harrison

Great tours! Friendly and knowledgeable staff and students! Beautiful campus located near great hiking and mountain biking trails. 10 minutes from beach. Quaint downtown with a variety of restaurants for everyone's taste buds. We didn't take a tour of dorms, but there are new dorms for freshman. Overall great experience!

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Brian Lopez

Does not look the same as when I was there but it was impressive! One thing that became obvious, they mean to keep improving this school until it is one of the best. The new student housing looks awesome. The physics building? Awesome! Almost wish I could go back just to check out the new stuff, but nah I'm good.

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Okey Ogu

I quickly glossed over most reviews and realise that virtually every body is giving good 👍 testimony about California Poly State University. Mine is just a virtual experience. One thing I grasped is the learning by doing philosophy. It is …

JG
Jime G-RB

Amazing university, excellent professors and teaching programs.

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Patty Smith

I’ve been buying my tomatoes here for years. They have an excellent selection of very healthy plants. They also provide plant summaries so you can choose wisely for your needs and get nice variety. I always get many colors: purple, …