CPSLO is predominantly residential (it is not in a major metro area with lots of students in commute range), and probably similar in selectivity to UCI (though both schools may vary depending on major applied to). UCI’s four and six year graduation rates are 68% and 86% (versus 30% and 72% for CPSLO). (from entries on http://www.collegedata.com )
However, being a residential CSU means that CPSLO’s net price is likely higher for many financial aid recipients than UCI’s net price, since CSU financial aid appears to be based on commuter students, with no adjustment for residential students (unlike UC financial aid; see the net price calculators). This may cause financial issues with some students needing to take time off school to work and earn some money, delaying graduation.
The mix of majors is different (based on common data set section J for each school). The top type of majors at CPSLO are:
26% engineering (high units per quarter, so some students may not be able to handle that, and co-op jobs are probably common given CPSLO’s preparation for industry work emphasis)
13% agriculture
13% business
6% biological/life sciences
6% parks and recreation
5% architecture (five year NAAB-accredited program)
5% social sciences
The top type of majors at UCI are:
21% social sciences
14% biological/life sciences
12% psychology
10% business
9% engineering
7% health professions
6% visual and performing arts
Whether a given student has a higher risk of delayed graduation at CPSLO than UCI is not necessarily clear, and would require more investigation than just looking up graduation rates. If cost and financial aid are a concern, then that is likely a significant factor; otherwise, one would have to investigate more deeply into the subject.