About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Cal Poly Pomona lives by its "Learn by Doing" motto through hands-on engineering and architecture programs. The polytechnic university enrolls 24,271 students on a large suburban campus where practical experience drives education. Notable graduates include well-known architect Frank Gehry and former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns. The acceptance rate sits at 55%, making admission moderately competitive for this respected technical school.
Students pay an average net price of $11,580 after financial aid, making it an affordable path to a solid engineering career. Graduates earn a median salary of $71,902 ten years after graduation, providing strong returns on the modest $16,000 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average just $170, while the employment rate reaches 92.9%. The numbers tell a compelling story about value and outcomes.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with 54% Hispanic students and 22% Asian students creating a multicultural learning environment. Nearly all students come from in-state at 98%, fostering a strong California community feel. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger classes but competitive tuition at $7,439 for residents. The Broncos compete in NCAA Division II athletics across eight varsity sports.
Students pay an average net price of $11,580 after financial aid, making it an affordable path to a solid engineering career. Graduates earn a median salary of $71,902 ten years after graduation, providing strong returns on the modest $16,000 median debt load. Monthly loan payments average just $170, while the employment rate reaches 92.9%. The numbers tell a compelling story about value and outcomes.
The student body reflects California's diversity, with 54% Hispanic students and 22% Asian students creating a multicultural learning environment. Nearly all students come from in-state at 98%, fostering a strong California community feel. With a 23:1 student-faculty ratio, expect larger classes but competitive tuition at $7,439 for residents. The Broncos compete in NCAA Division II athletics across eight varsity sports.
Academics & Faculty
Cal Poly Pomona lives up to its "Learn by Doing" motto through nationally recognized engineering and architecture programs that emphasize hands-on experience. The university's 23:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes are common, but 88.14% of students return for their second year. Architecture students work in state-of-the-art studios, while engineering majors gain practical experience through industry partnerships. The polytechnic focus means coursework centers on applied learning rather than theory. With a 66.70% six-year graduation rate, students take time to complete rigorous technical programs. Notable graduates include architect Frank Gehry and former Xerox CEO Ursula Burns, reflecting the school's strength in producing industry leaders.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 23:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 46.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 66.7%
- Retention Rate
- 88.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,902
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $85,357 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $84,653 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $77,329 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $72,650 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,930 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,305 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,918 |
| Agriculture, General. | Master | $67,660 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,287 |
Campus Life
Cal Poly Pomona sits 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in a sprawling suburban setting where you'll need sunscreen year-round, not winter coats. Only 17% of the 24,271 students live in the campus housing that accommodates 4,149 people. Most students commute from across Southern California, creating a campus that empties out on weekends as students head home or to jobs.
The "Learn by Doing" motto plays out in labs and workshops where engineering and architecture students spend long hours on hands-on projects. With 55% male enrollment and a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, expect larger lecture halls but smaller lab sections. The campus culture revolves around academic programs rather than traditional college social life. Students often work part-time jobs given the 98% in-state population and practical focus. Weekend activities center on the nearby San Gabriel Mountains for hiking or trips to LA beaches. The Broncos compete in Division II athletics with 251 total athletes, but sports culture takes a backseat to the technical programs that define campus life.
The "Learn by Doing" motto plays out in labs and workshops where engineering and architecture students spend long hours on hands-on projects. With 55% male enrollment and a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, expect larger lecture halls but smaller lab sections. The campus culture revolves around academic programs rather than traditional college social life. Students often work part-time jobs given the 98% in-state population and practical focus. Weekend activities center on the nearby San Gabriel Mountains for hiking or trips to LA beaches. The Broncos compete in Division II athletics with 251 total athletes, but sports culture takes a backseat to the technical programs that define campus life.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 4,149 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
74 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 31 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Statutory Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 43°–67°F
- July Avg
- 62°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 14.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Cal Poly Pomona draws almost entirely from California, with 98% of students staying in-state for this polytechnic education. Nearly half receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's role serving working-class families seeking practical career preparation. The student body is majority Hispanic at 54%, with significant Asian representation at 22%, mirroring Southern California's demographics. Men slightly outnumber women at 56%, typical for engineering and technology-focused institutions. This diverse, locally-rooted community embraces the "Learn by Doing" philosophy that defines polytechnic education.
- Men
- 55.6%
- Women
- 44.4%
- White
- 13.2%
- Black
- 2.5%
- Hispanic
- 54.3%
- Asian
- 22.2%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.0%
Location
The campus sits in Pomona, California, about 30 miles east of Los Angeles. This suburban area in the San Gabriel Valley offers easy access to both mountain recreation and urban opportunities. The 1,438-acre campus provides a college-focused environment while remaining connected to Southern California's job market. Nearly all students come from in-state at 98.22%, creating a strong California community. The location attracts students interested in hands-on learning who want proximity to major employers in aerospace, technology, and entertainment industries. Students can reach beaches, mountains, and desert within a few hours' drive. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal Poly Pomona with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Pomona, California 91768
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $71,902
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,795
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $170/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
Cal Poly Pomona accepts 55.38% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a public university. The school attracts students with its hands-on "Learn by Doing" motto and strong engineering programs.
How much does California State Polytechnic University-Pomona cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,580 per year after aid. With 46.03% of students receiving Pell Grants, the school serves many first-generation college students seeking affordable technical education.
What is California State Polytechnic University-Pomona known for academically?
The university is well-known for its engineering and architecture programs with practical, hands-on learning. With a student-faculty ratio of 23:1, students work on real projects that prepare them for industry careers.
How much do California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median salary of $71,902 ten years after graduation, reflecting the value of technical degrees. The employment rate reaches 92.9%, showing strong job market demand for Cal Poly Pomona alumni.
Where do students live at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
The campus houses 4,149 students in on-campus facilities that cost $16,330 annually. With 24,271 total students and 98.22% from California, many commute from the greater Los Angeles area.
Is California State Polytechnic University-Pomona diverse?
The student body is 54.26% Hispanic and 22.24% Asian, making it one of the most diverse polytechnic universities in California. Only 13.22% of students are white, reflecting the changing demographics of Southern California.
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