Cal poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university, with approximately 17,500 undergraduate, 120 post-baccalaureate, and 900 graduate students. the cal poly community fosters teaching, scholarship, and service in a learn-by-doing environment where students, staff, and faculty are partners in discovery. cal poly has built an exemplary reputation on its learn-by-doing approach to the preparation of undergraduate and graduate students. it is a distinctive learning community offering academically focused students a hands-on educational experience that prepares them for today's scientific and technical world. cal poly provides a balanced education in the arts, sciences, and technology, while encouraging cross-disciplinary and co-curricular experiences. u.s. news and world report has ranked cal poly #1 among public master's universities in the western united states for 24 consecutive years.
the university values free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. as a campus, we welcome and nurture a rich array of different perspectives, ideas and cultures. we encourage international and multi-cultural education in order to prepare students for successful participation and competition in a diverse world and a global workforce. we believe that diversity of our students, faculty, and staff enlivens and enriches cal poly’s educational environment.
