California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo or
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a public university in San Luis Obispo, California. Founded in 1901, It is the oldest of
three polytechnic universities within the California State University system. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo emphasizes a “learn by doing” philosophy, integrating hands-on, practical experiences into its curriculum. As of Fall 2022, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo had approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 800 graduate students. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is well-regarded for its undergraduate programs, having been ranked 1st among Regional Universities in the Western US in the 2025
U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university is home to several nationally recognized programs, particularly in engineering, architecture, and business, with the College of Engineering and the Orfalea College of Business standing out for their academic excellence and industry connections. Most of the university's athletic teams participate in the Big West Conference.