At $11,580/yr net price, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates earn $71,902/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,902/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $11,580 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $46,320 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,902/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,902/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 66.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,599/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,192/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,196/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,145/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,829/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $85,357 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $84,653 | |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $77,329 | $16,500 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $72,650 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,930 | $17,985 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $19,000 |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,305 | $21,322 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,918 | $16,940 |
| Agriculture, General. | Master | $67,660 | |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,287 | $25,000 |
The Risk Factor
66.7% of students at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 33% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Cal Poly Pomona delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $71,902 against a low net price of $11,580 annually. The school's reputation as a polytechnic university translates into career-focused programs that employers in Southern California value highly.
Engineering and business programs drive the strongest outcomes here. Business Administration graduates earn $85,357 while electrical engineering majors reach $84,653. Construction engineering technology offers particularly compelling value at $77,329 with typical debt of just $16,500. These technical programs align well with the region's aerospace, construction, and tech industries.
The main financial risk is the 67% graduation rate. If you struggle with the hands-on, rigorous coursework that defines Cal Poly Pomona's approach, you could end up with debt but no degree. The school's retention rate of 88% suggests most students who make it past freshman year will finish.
You'll get the best return if you're committed to engineering, business, or other technical fields where the school has established industry connections. Liberal arts majors should consider whether the polytechnic focus matches their career goals, as those programs may not offer the same earning potential or job placement support.
With median debt of only $16,000 and strong job prospects in high-paying fields, Cal Poly Pomona works especially well for middle-class California families who qualify for in-state tuition but limited need-based aid. The combination of low cost and high earnings makes this one of the better financial bets in the Cal State system for career-focused students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State Polytechnic University-Pomona worth the cost?
Cal Poly Pomona offers strong value with a low net price of $11,580 and decent post-graduation earnings of $71,902. The engineering and business programs provide solid returns, though the 67% graduation rate means about one-third of students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
Business Administration leads with $85,357 average earnings, followed by Electrical Engineering at $84,653. These programs justify the investment, while other majors may offer weaker financial returns.
How much debt do California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates have?
The median debt is $16,000, which is manageable given the average earnings of $71,902 ten years after graduation. Most graduates can reasonably pay off their loans with these salary levels.
Does California State Polytechnic University-Pomona have good job prospects after graduation?
Job prospects vary significantly by major at Cal Poly Pomona. Engineering and business graduates earn well above the national average, but students in lower-paying programs may struggle to justify the time and cost investment.