Cal Poly earns prestigious ranking for second straight year

For the second straight year, Cal Poly was named the best overall regional university in the West in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025 college rankings .

The regional rankings tally up universities that offer a “full-range of undergraduate programs and some master’s programs, but few doctoral programs” across 15 states in the Western United States, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Universities that offer a full range of doctoral degrees — like those in the U.C. system — are ranked separately.

Cal Poly beat out nearly 120 other universities vying for the best in the West title, leading the University of Portland at No. 2, and Cal Poly Pomona at No. 3.

Continuing a 32-year streak, Cal Poly was also named the top public master’s-level university in the region, leading Cal Poly Pomona at No. 2, and San Jose State University at No. 3.

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“We are proud that Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing approach to education, and the work of our students, faculty and staff, is continually recognized as the best in the West,” Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a news release Tuesday. “It shows that Cal Poly is a destination where students can make an impact on their communities from the very beginning of their time on campus and continue to develop and refine their skills as they join the workforce or continue their education.”

Cal Poly also ranked in the top regional spot for innovation and was named in the top 10 for best value in the West.

The university placed eighth for best undergraduate engineering programs in the nation, compared to other universities that don’t offer doctoral engineering programs.

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“As we continue to seek innovative ways to grow and serve more students of California and beyond, we’re excited to work alongside members of the campus community, parents and supporters, alumni, industry partners and donors to build on our momentum and continue to see Cal Poly recognized as one of the finest universities in the nation,” Armstrong continued, in Tuesday’s press release.

The U.S. News and World Report rankings come after Cal Poly was named in the top 25 nationally for best salaries , according to the Wall Street Journal.

Cal Poly also recently moved up to No. 57 of 500 in Forbes’ annual ranking of best colleges in the nation, compared to No. 83 the previous year.