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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo vs. University of California-San Diego

Total CostsUndergraduateGraduateLiving Costs

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The following table compares the 2025 costs of attendance between selected colleges. For state residents, the average COA is $38,537 when living on campus and $39,433 when living off campus. For out-of-state students, the average COA is $65,015 when living on campus and $65,912 when living off campus. The COA includes tuition, fees, books & supplies, room & board costs, and other living expenses.
2025 Cost Of Attendance Comparison Between Selected Colleges
NameTuition & FeesBooks & SuppliesLiving Costs
In-StateOut-of-StateOn-CampusOff-Campus
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
$12,161$33,230 $1,119 $21,861 $23,097
University of California-San Diego
$15,788$47,676 $1,286 $24,858 $25,415
Average$13,975$40,453$1,203$23,360$24,256

Undergraduate Tuition & Fees

The following table compares 2024-2025 undergraduate tuition & fees between selected colleges. The average undergraduate tuition & fees is $13,975 for in-state students and $40,453 for out-of-state students. The 2024-2025 undergraduate tuition & fees of selected colleges are increased by 5.02% compared to the previous year.
Among the selected colleges, University of California-San Diego requires the most expensive tuition & fees of $44,148 and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the lowest tuition & fees of $18,684 for undergraduate programs.
Undergraduate Tuition & Fess Comparison Between Selected Colleges
Name2023-20242024-2025
In-StateOut-of-StateIn-StateOut-of-State
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
$11,075$30,995$12,161$33,230
University of California-San Diego
$15,265$46,042$15,788$47,676
Average$13,170$38,519$13,975$40,453

Graduate Tuition & Fees

The following table compares 2024-2025 graduate tuition & fees between selected colleges. The average graduate tuition & fees is $14,391 for state residents and $26,982 for out-of-state students. The 2024-2025 graduate tuition & fees of selected colleges are increased by 4.48% compared to the previous year.
Among the selected colleges, University of California-San Diego requires the most expensive graduate tuition & fees of $27,864 and California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the lowest graduate tuition & fees of $17,688.
Graduate Tuition & Fess Comparison Between Selected Colleges
Name2023-20242024-2025
In-StateOut-of-StateIn-StateOut-of-State
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
$12,509$22,013$13,685$23,765
University of California-San Diego
$14,535$29,637$15,097$30,199
Average$13,522$25,825$14,391$26,982

Room & Board, Other Living Expenses

The following table compares living costs including room, board, and other expenses between selected colleges. Each cost is in average and may vary by room types, meal plan, and other living styles. For academic year 2024-2025, the average living costs of selected colleges is $23,360 when a student lives on campus and $24,256 when living off campus.
Living Costs Comparison Between Selected Colleges
NameOn-CampusOff-Campus
Room & BoardOther ExpensesRoom & BoardOther ExpensesOther Expenses (living with family)
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
$18,792$3,069 $19,155$3,942$5,850
University of California-San Diego
$18,970$5,888 $18,404$7,011$7,679
Average$18,881 $4,479$18,780 $5,477$6,765