Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.2%
- Retention Rate
- 95.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $90,768
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,500
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 86.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $196/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $120,462 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $116,083 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $101,964 | |
| Fire Protection. | Master | $97,071 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Master | $94,408 | $20,500 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $93,964 | $20,556 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Master | $88,639 | |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $82,780 | |
| Architecture. | Master | $80,022 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $79,647 | $23,475 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $78,971 | |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering. | Master | $78,971 | $12,500 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. | Bachelor | $76,460 | $22,500 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $74,200 | $15,564 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $74,038 | $20,500 |
Outcomes Overview
Cal Poly graduates enter the workforce with a median debt of $18,500 and earn $62,831 in their first year after graduation. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 29%, well below the recommended 40% threshold. Monthly loan payments of $196 consume just 3.7% of typical graduate income. The university's 95.9% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, particularly in engineering, agriculture, and architecture. Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" philosophy produces graduates highly valued by tech companies, agricultural firms, and construction companies throughout California. Within five years, median earnings jump to $89,413, demonstrating rapid career progression. Given the low debt burden, high employment rates, and strong earning potential, Cal Poly delivers a strong return on investment.