Welcome to Cal Poly
Choosing a college is a big decision. We want to help you make an informed one.
The right university will offer you resources, opportunities and a place to explore your passions, develop your skills and prepare you for a successful career. It will provide a community where you feel inspired, supported and challenged to reach your full potential. Here's why we think Cal Poly is a great choice, and how to apply.
learn by Doing
Our academic philosophy, Learn by Doing, sets us apart from other colleges and universities. In classes, projects, labs and other academic pursuits, you'll actively engage through hands-on, real-world experiences building both your knowledge and your skill and cultivate proactive, whole-systems thinking.
Real World Impact
From your first day on campus, you'll actively contribute to addressing our most enduring questions and solving California’s — and the world’s — most pressing challenges. You'll dive into classes in your major your first year, then engage in hands-on learning, undergraduate research opportunities, collaborative projects, leadership roles and more throughout your academic journey. It's an approach that ensures Cal Poly graduates are ready to make an immediate impact in their careers.
Electrifying the Navajo Nation
See what they built
Restoring Critical Ecosystems
Follow their progressCampus community
Exploring every angle is essential to who we are. That applies not only to your classwork, but also to the perspectives of people we meet and the activities we do. We want to give you the opportunity to explore this diverse world, embrace new ideas, make new friends and discover new interests.
Housing and Dining
Along with becoming a part of an active and supportive community, living on campus will give you easy access to all of the delicious options in our brand-new dining complex.
Clubs and Organizations
You have passions that fuel and enhance your life. With more than 400 student clubs and organizations, you'll have no trouble finding ways to cultivate them.
Athletics and Recreation
From competitive sports to our world-class rec center to access to the great outdoors, there are many opportunities to play as hard as you work.
The world is diverse. We want to make sure our campus reflects that and is a safe space for you to be yourself and connect with others.
Our Graduates are prepared to succeed
All the hands-on opportunities you’ll have throughout your years at Cal Poly will add up to a level of experience that will be unmatched by your peers — and in high demand by employers. Learn by Doing makes sure that when you graduate, you’ll be a resourceful and innovative professional, prepared to take the lead in discovering solutions yourself.
I thought that Learn by Doing was merely a catchy motto. I learned that it is what sets our students apart. Cal Poly helped me learn to network, build relationships and effectively communicate. After my second year, I became a Global Security intern for Tesla and after my third year, a Finance intern at Apple. These opportunities presented themselves because of the relationships and skills Learn by Doing taught me.
There's More to Know
Here are a few places to explore next.
In-person or Online
Visit Us
Here are many ways to explore our campus and a bit about where you can expect your journey to lead.
Social Media
Follow Us
The fastest way to connect with us and start learning more about Cal Poly immediately.