Cal Poly earns top ranking in U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges for fourth year
Cal Poly campus.
University moves up 17 places in social mobility
– Cal Poly has ranked No. 1 overall in the West among public and private master’s-level universities in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
The ranking marks the fourth consecutive year Cal Poly has earned the top overall position among universities in the region, which includes 15 western states. It also marks the 34th year Cal Poly has ranked No. 1 among regional public institutions.
Cal Poly also ranked No. 1 regionally for Best Colleges for Veterans for the seventh consecutive year and for Best Value for In-State Students, a new ranking this year.
“Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing education continues to prepare thousands of graduates each year to make an immediate, positive impact in their respective industries and careers,” said Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong. “Cal Poly’s continued recognition in these and other rankings reflects the dedication of our students, faculty and staff in pairing rigorous academics with hands-on learning, resulting in graduates who are ready to address the pressing problems of California, the nation and the world.”
Cal Poly ranked No. 1 in computer engineering and electrical, electronic and communications engineering programs. The university tied for No. 1 in civil engineering and ranked No. 2 in mechanical engineering and aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical programs.
The university tied for 55th place regionally in social mobility, up 17 places from 2025.
The 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings evaluated more than 1,700 higher education institutions nationwide based on indicators including student outcomes, retention and graduation rates, graduate earnings, peer assessment, faculty resources and other factors.
More information about the 2027 rankings is available from U.S. News & World Report.
Cal Poly is a public university in San Luis Obispo, California, known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year, more than 23,000 students attend Cal Poly and Cal Poly Maritime Academy in Solano County, where they study engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities, maritime, and the built environment.
More information about Cal Poly is available at calpoly.edu.
