ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Below are the most recent tuition and cost estimates for an academic year (fall and spring semesters). 

2026 - 2027 Cost of Attendance for California Residents (as of February 09, 2026)

Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees. 

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code). 

Below are the most recent tuition and cost estimates for an academic year (fall and spring semesters).

2026 - 2027 Cost of Attendance Budgets - Non California Residents (as of February 9, 2026)

Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees. 

*Non-Resident students are assessed the CA Resident Tuition and Fees, plus an additional $471 per unit in Non-Resident Tuition. The figure above is based on enrollment in 30 units for the academic year - 15 units per semester.

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code). 

Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is proud to offer the (WUE - pronounced "woo-ee") program. This program offers qualified non-resident, freshmen and transfers, students the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams for just a fraction of the non-resident tuition!

What is WUE?

The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program is designed to permit students from participating states (listed above) to attend Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ at reduced tuition rates. Students participating in Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s WUE program pay 150% more than the regular, California Resident (in-state) tuition rate.  

WUE tuition is considerably less than nonresident tuition. At Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, nonresidents who do not participate in WUE pay $471 per unit in addition to state tuition fees.

2026 - 2027 Cost of Attendance for WUE Participants (as of February 9, 2026)

Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees. 

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code). 

Who is Eligible for WUE?

Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ freshman and transfer applicants who are residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states are automatically considered for WUE. No additional application is necessary. Program recipients are selected based on their academic profile and will be issued to the top 15% of WUE admits.

Recipients are notified by the Office of Admissions in April.

How do I stay in the WUE program?

To remain in Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s WUE program in subsequent years, you must:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C average)
• Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student
• Maintain non-residency status of California for tuition purposes.

The duration of the program is limited to:

• 4 years for first time freshmen students
• 2 years for transfer students

How do I find out more?

Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ is a participating institution in the WUE Program. Information is available from the Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, Office of Admissions website, as well as the .

At this time, Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ does not offer designated parent or family housing. Because of this, the standard Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets for parenting students are the same as the budgets listed above. However, we understand that students with dependent children may have additional expenses and we're her to help.

If you're a student who has a dependent child under the age of 18, you may be eligible to request an increase to your Cost of Attendance (COA) to help cover childcare expenses while you attend Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.

How it Works

Your childcare allowance will be based on:

• The estimated costs you provide, or
• Average childcare rates in the local community (based on the number and ages of your dependents)

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify:

• Your dependent child(ren) must live in your household
• Childcare must be necessary so you can participate in your educational activities, such as:
  • Attending classes
  • Studying
  • Completing fieldwork or research
  • Participating in internships
  • Commuting to and from campus

We understand that balancing school and parenting is a big responsibility, and we want to help make it possible for you to succeed.

Next Steps

Please contact our office directly for more information about how to request a childcare allowance and what documentation may be needed. Our team is happy to guide you through the process.

Additional Support for Parenting Students

Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ offers several resources designed to support student parents:

• Student Parent Resouces: /studentparents
• Broncos Care Center: /broncoscarecenter
• ASI Children's Center (Child Care Services):

You belong here - and we are committed to helping you and your family thrive.

If a student enrolls less than full-time, their cost of attendance must be adjusted so it will reflect their actual costs.  At Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ adjustments will be made after the end each semester's Add/Drop period.

Adjustments for Students enrolled half-time, in 6 units:

• Tuition and Fees: Students who are enrolled in 6 units will have the tuition & fees part of their cost of attendance budget adjusted to reflect the lower 0-6 unit tuition rate.  All other cost of attendance elements remain the same.

• Tuition and Fees adjusted to the lower 0-6 unit tuition rate
• Personal Expenses adjusted to $0 (as required under federal student aid regulations)
• Living Expenses (Food and Housing) adjusted to $0

Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.

Below are the cost of attendance budgets from 2025-2026, based on 7+ units per semester. 

The figures used for all categories (except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students in the 2021 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission.  1,500 students from Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ were contacted regarding the survey – and the response rate was 32.47%. 

California Residents

2025 - 2026 Cost of Attendance for California Residents (as of 2/26/2025)

Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.  

Non CA Residents

2025 - 2026 Cost of Attendance Budgets - Non California Residents (as of 2/25/2025)

Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees. 

*Non-Resident students are assessed the CA Resident Tuition and Fees, plus an additional $444 per unit in Non-Resident Tuition. The figure above is based on enrollment in 30 units for the academic year - 15 units per semester. 

A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining the cost of attendance at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. The figures used for all categories (except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students in the 2021 (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission.  1,500 students from Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ were contacted regarding the survey – and the response rate was 32.47%. 

Amounts are updated annually based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index for non-surveyed years.

No distinction is made with respect to the mode of instruction in determining costs – students enrolled in online courses or a fully online program have the same elements included in their cost of attendance budget.

• Tuition & Mandatory Fees: Cost paid to Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ for courses, includes mandatory campus fees.  This figure is based off anticipated enrollment in 7 or more units. Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.
  
  
• Living Expenses (Food and Housing): The average cost per academic year to live in the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ / LA County area while attending Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances (on-campus, off-campus, living at home)
  
  
  • Commuter Food and Housing reflects the lower costs of living at home. 
  • On-Campus Food and Housing (Residence Halls) is based on the actual costs for a “Double Room” and the unlimited meal plan option, which provides for 21 meals per week. 
  • Off-Campus Food and Housing is based on the average amount reported by Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ students on the 2021 SEARS survey.  These figures assume a roommate.
    • Food =  $874 per month
    • Housing = $1,396 per month
      
      
• Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: The average amount students spend on books and educational supplies.
  
  
• Transportation:   The average transportation cost between campus, residences, and place of work (includes bus fare, gasoline, tolls, parking, etc.).  Amount does not include car payments, insurance, repairs or license fees.
  
  
• Personal Expenses:   The average amount for personal expenses which includes clothing, personal care, cell phone plan, and health care costs not covered by insurance.
  
  
• Federal Direct Loan Fees:   For students who borrow a Direct Loan, the average cost of the loan origination fee; for parents who borrow a Direct PLUS loan on behalf of their dependent student, the actual cost of the PLUS loan origination fee.
  
  

AB990 and SB467 Information - Housing Costs within 5-mile radius of Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Campus (as of February 1, 2026):

• 1 bedroom: $2,331
• 2 bedroom: $2,906
• 2 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,453
• 3 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,229
• 4 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,025

(Data source - within a 5-mile radius of Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ campus)

The above housing costs are updated yearly on February 1st. It is important to understand the above average cost is for rent only and does not include cost of food, utilities, garbage, rental deposit, and other necessary expenses for housing. Most students share an apartment to reduce their housing cost.

In addition to the elements included in our standard COA Budgets, the following elements can be included on a case-by-case basis, using our Cost of Attendance appeal form:

Computer Purchase: Reasonable costs related to the rental or upfront purchase of a personal computer.

Study Abroad Expenses:  Reasonable costs (including travel, visa, passport, etc.) for students participating in a study abroad program approved for credit by Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.

Dependent care:  Expenses incurred for dependent care, based on the number and age of the student’s dependents.

• The period for which dependent care is required includes, but is not limited to, class-time, study-time, field work, internships, and commuting time.
• Such allowance must not exceed the reasonable cost in the community in which the student resides for the kind of care provided

Disability-related expenses: Expenses associated with a student’s disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred and not provided for by other agencies.

Cooperative education cost:  Students engaged in a work experience under a cooperative education program, an allowance for reasonable costs associated with such employment.

Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ provides several tools to help you estimate the costs associated with earning your degree. We encourage you to use them in order to have a better understanding of the true cost of attendance. 

Net Price & Cost Calculator
By answering a few simple questions, the Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Net Price & Cost Calculator will present you with an early estimate of your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. 

With the College Scorecard, you can see annual costs at Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ that factor in room & board, student aid, and your family income. 

Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Tuition website 
Review the current Tuition & Fees information for Cal Poly ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. 

Housing and Food Services
Research the room and meal rates for On-Campus Housing 

Federal Student Aid Budgeting Video:

“Budgeting Tools”