My aunt and her husband graduated from cal poly slo as civil engineers (I think) and own their own business. She claims companies hire cal poly slo grads over other schools like Stanford or ucsb. Is this true? I know that uc’s are more research based while cal poly is more hands on and prepares you for work. I’m interested in engineering and am considering applying here but just wondering if this is true.
Methinks pride in their school is trumping reality…
Stanford grads have started many well-known companies such as Google, HP, Nike, Sun, Yahoo, to name a few. As the Mercury News wrote “If companies founded by Stanford graduates formed an independent nation, it would be the 10th largest economy in the world.” The list of major companies founded by Cal Poly alums is probably a bit smaller 
Anyway don’t argue with her. This is your aunt. Just smile and tell her how lucky she was to go there.
Companies hire individuals, not schools.
Maybe for the specific major like civil engineering.
Engineering majors at Cal Poly SLO are usually top 3 in the nation so yes, for engineering it can be true
I don’t know if Stanford has civil engineering but it’s not known for that major. Same with UCSB, it’s known for chemical engineering.
My husband works for an Internet company in Palo Alto. They are specifically looking for cs, ce, and se engineers. His company have hired from Stanford and other big schools. However, he just recently hired a grad from Cal Poly and says she’s the best, most knowledgeable recruit ever! She jumped straight in and knows what she’s doing - I think this is because of CP learn by doing motto - unlike the kids from Stanford! So I’d say CP grads are as likely to get hired.
You know CS is not a field that you just read books and take exams, it’s a hands on field even at Stanford.