Cost of attendance at Cal Poly SLO?

I want to apply to Cal Poly, but I'm a little unclear about the cost of attendance. Does anyone know the breakdown? I mean tuition, room & board, other fees? Any way to reduce these costs?

Hey there! Knowing the numbers upfront can indeed make planning easier.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) for an in-state student living on campus at Cal Poly SLO is about:

1. Tuition and fees: $12,720

2. Room and board: $17,225

3. Books and supplies: $1,120

4. Transportation: $1,150

5. Personal and Miscellaneous: $1,920

So the total estimated cost is around $35,205 for an in-state student living on-campus. Keep in mind, these are estimated costs and your personal expenses could be lower or higher.

If you're an out-of-state student, you'll need to add the nonresident tuition fee, which is $12,700 per year.

In terms of reducing these costs, definitely complete the FAFSA to apply for federal aid if you haven't already. You may be eligible for grants or work-study opportunities. Additionally, check out Cal Poly's scholarship page for opportunities to offset some costs. There could be merit or need-based scholarships that you are eligible for.

Remember, your cost can also be affected by which housing option you choose (on-campus vs. off-campus) and how frugally you manage personal expenses and books. For instance, buying used textbooks or renting them can significantly cut down costs. Keep in mind that some courses may also have additional fees, so it's a good idea to look ahead and plan for those in your budget.

Hope this information helps you make an informed decision. Best of luck!