University of California-Irvine vs California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo: which has better ROI?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $66,660 in 1.6 years versus 1.8 years at University of California-Irvine, on median earnings of $90,768 vs $80,735 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of California-Irvine | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,251 | $16,665 |
| Total net cost | $57,004 | $66,660 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $80,735 | $90,768 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $18,500 |
| Payback | 1.8 yrs | 1.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $590,496 | $781,500 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of California-Irvine or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
University of California-Irvine, at $14,251 a year after aid versus $16,665 — a gap of $2,414 a year, or $9,656 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of California-Irvine or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn more?
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates report a median $90,768 ten years after entry, $10,033 more than the $80,735 at University of California-Irvine. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of California-Irvine or California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo?
University of California-Irvine: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $18,500 at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, a difference of $3,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
87% of students finish at University of California-Irvine, against 86% at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.