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's numbers point to a strong return with a low downside. You leave with median debt under $12,000, and the median graduate earns close to $78,000 ten years out. That debt-to-earnings ratio is unusually safe. A 93% graduation rate and near-96% retention mean you are very likely to actually finish, which is where most college financial risk hides.
The major you pick changes everything here. Computer science graduates clear $128,000, more than four times what public policy analysis graduates earn at $29,685. Economics lands in the middle near the school median. If you come to Pomona for CS or economics, the math works cleanly. Public policy pays poorly enough that the sticker cost only makes sense if your net price is low or the field is a deliberate choice you can afford.
The main financial risk is income-based, not academic. Net price barely moves across the bottom three income tiers, all around $5,000 to $5,600 per year. That is one of the best deals in private higher education. But the jump at $75,000 in family income is steep, and above $110,000 you pay $51,240 a year, near full freight.
If your family earns under $75,000, Pomona is one of the cheapest four-year options available to you, private or public, and the low debt load makes almost any major survivable. If you earn over $110,000, you are paying roughly $205,000 across four years, and that only clearly pays back if you head toward CS, economics, or a graduate-track field. A public policy or humanities path at full price is a much weaker financial bet. Run your specific net price before deciding, because the tier you fall into matters more than the school's averages.
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.