California Polytechnic State University, CA

California Polytechnic State University is a census-designated campus community just outside the city limits of San Luis Obispo. This is not a town in the usual sense; it is Cal Poly's residential and academic footprint, counted separately by the census. The university was founded in 1901, is part of the California State University system, and is known for its Learn by Doing approach. The campus is large, hands-on, and closely tied to San Luis Obispo even while sitting outside the city.