At $19,424/yr net price, Pomona College graduates earn $77,779/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $43,779/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $19,424 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $77,696 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $77,779/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$43,779/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 93.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,782 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,638/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,444/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,099/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,433/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,240/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $128,737 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $77,213 | |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
The Risk Factor
93.2% of students at Pomona College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Pomona College delivers strong financial returns despite its elite price tag, with graduates earning a median of $77,779 ten years after enrollment. The school's generous need-based aid brings the actual cost down to $19,424 annually for most families, making it accessible to middle-income students who qualify.
Computer Science majors at Pomona command impressive starting salaries around $128,737, positioning them well in the competitive California tech market. Economics graduates earn solid returns at $77,213, benefiting from the school's strong alumni network in finance and consulting. However, Public Policy Analysis majors face concerning earning potential at just $29,685, which may struggle to justify even Pomona's reduced net price.
Your biggest financial risk at Pomona centers on major choice rather than debt load. With median debt under $12,000, most graduates avoid the crushing loan payments that plague other private colleges. The 93% graduation rate means you're likely to finish your degree and access the alumni network that drives much of Pomona's value.
Pomona makes financial sense if you're targeting high-paying fields like tech or finance, where the alumni connections and brand recognition pay dividends. The school works especially well for middle-income families who qualify for substantial aid but earn too much for generous packages elsewhere. However, if you're considering lower-paying majors like public policy or plan to pursue graduate school immediately, the opportunity cost becomes questionable even at the reduced price.
Merit scholarships are extremely limited at Pomona, so your aid package depends almost entirely on demonstrated financial need. The school meets full need for admitted students, but getting in remains the primary hurdle to accessing this value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pomona College worth the cost?
Pomona College offers strong ROI with graduates earning $77,779 annually after 10 years and low median debt of $11,782. The net price of $19,424 per year is reasonable for a top liberal arts college, especially considering the 93% graduation rate.
What are the highest paying majors at Pomona College?
Computer Science leads with average earnings of $128,737, followed by Economics at $77,213. Public Policy Analysis graduates earn significantly less at $29,685, so career goals matter when choosing a major.
How much debt do Pomona College graduates have?
Pomona College graduates have a median debt of just $11,782, which is well below the national average. This low debt burden makes the investment more manageable compared to other expensive private colleges.
Does Pomona College provide good financial aid?
Yes, Pomona College's net price of $19,424 per year represents substantial financial aid for most families. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, making it accessible despite the high sticker price.