California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (also known as Cal Poly) is located in San Luis Obispo, California. The university offers a full spectrum of degrees though it is best known for its technical programs.

The university was founded in 1901 as a state technical high school, and over the years evolved into a full-service university offering BA, BS, and Masters degrees in seven colleges:

• Agriculture,
• Architecture & Environmental Design,
• Business,
• Education,
• Engineering,
• Liberal Arts, and
• Science & Mathematics.

There are approximately 20,000 students currently in attendance.

The school is officially part of the California State University System. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (aka Cal Poly Pomona) was formed as a satellite campus in 1938 on the former Voorhis School for Boys in San Dimas, California by Charles Voorhis. The two campuses separated into independent entities in 1966.

Since 1949, the two universities have cooperated on a Rose Parade float.