<p>"Cal Poly is part of the California State University system, not the UC system, but it is comparable in prestige and selectivity to most of the UC schools. I question whether the phrase "affordable living" still applies to SLO, but I don't doubt that it's still a fun place for college."</p>
<p>i wouldnt say necessarily on a national or global scale, but definitely a west coast scale prestige wise. Its probably right up with UCI, UCSB,UCD...great school though. My brother is going there next year (after summer is over).</p>
<p>Good for surfing though for sure. And a very nice school. If you want to do undergrad engineering or architecture, i would definitely say their programs are in the top 20 undergrad engineering and architecture programs in the US.</p>
<p>Their business is good too, but is mostly just well known in california. Its a very conservative school from what i know. Also, Cal Poly wrestling is amazing i hear...i mean i met the guy that runs the program (John azevedo, olympic medalist)... but i doubt you wrestle so who cares.</p>
<p>Anyway, yeah so my vote for surf schools (at least in California) are Cal Poly, Pepperdine (even has surfing electives i hear), UCSD, UCSC(though not exactly on the beach), and USD.</p>