Cal Poly is best in the nation for study abroad, report finds
For the third consecutive year, Cal Poly ranked as the top masters-level university in the nation for study abroad offerings.
According to the latest rankings from the Institute of International Education, Cal Poly had nearly 1,200 students study abroad during the 2023-24 academic year — the highest number out of any other masters-level university analyzed by the organization.
Forty other masters-level universities were included in the rankings, including only two others in California: San Jose State University with 347 students and Cal Poly Pomona with 245 students.
A news release from Cal Poly said this marks the third consecutive year the university has landed in the top spot, and the fourth year since 2020.
The release said Cal Poly also ranked second in the nation for long-term study abroad programs, first for mid-term programs and third for short-term programs.
The university has consistently ranked among the best institutions for study abroad participation among its peer universities, the release said.
“Our students continue to see international study, research and internship opportunities as integral components of their studies,” Cari Vanderkar, Cal Poly’s assistant vice provost for international programs and senior international officer, said in the release. “These high-impact experiences bring Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy to life in a global context and are foundational for their future careers.”
According to the release, Cal Poly reported more than 1,250 total student study abroad experiences in nearly 40 countries.
Spain and Italy led the way as top destinations, with the United Kingdom, Denmark, Japan, South Korea and Australian filing in behind.
In addition to study abroad, Cal Poly saw high rankings in other categories this fall.
The university was named the best regional university in the West by U.S. News and World Report, rose in Forbes rankings of public universities and earned a five-star ranking on Money Magazine’s list of top institutions.
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