Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Cal Poly SLO's aerospace engineering program produces graduates earning $85,509 in their first year—nearly $14,000 above the California median and significantly ahead of prestigious programs at UCLA and UC Davis. The 95th percentile national ranking confirms this program punches well above its weight, particularly impressive given the moderate $22,500 debt load. However, the 60th percentile state ranking reveals an interesting tension: while Cal Poly grads out-earn most aerospace programs in California, USC and Cal Poly Pomona graduates start slightly higher. What Cal Poly offers is strong earnings with considerably less debt than private alternatives.
The 18% growth to $101,270 by year four shows solid career progression in an industry where first-year placements matter enormously. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about three months of gross salary—a comfortable position that leaves room for living expenses and savings. With robust sample sizes supporting these figures, the data isn't a statistical fluke.
For families weighing options, Cal Poly SLO delivers elite-level aerospace outcomes at a public school price point. The program may not crack California's absolute top tier for starting salaries, but the combination of high earnings and manageable debt creates a compelling value proposition that outperforms more prestigious university names in the state.
Where California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates compare to all programs nationally
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo graduates earn $86k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $85,509 | $101,270 | $22,500 | 0.26 |
| University of Southern California | $78,980 | $97,304 | $21,140 | 0.27 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $78,320 | $91,245 | $26,295 | 0.34 |
| San Diego State University | $74,375 | $90,216 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
| University of California-Davis | $71,633 | $85,561 | $19,058 | 0.27 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $71,068 | $93,464 | $19,000 | 0.27 |
| National Median | $72,210 | — | $25,000 | 0.35 |
Other Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California Los Angeles | $68,237 | $78,980 | $21,140 |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona | $7,439 | $78,320 | $26,295 |
| San Diego State University San Diego | $8,290 | $74,375 | $23,000 |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $71,633 | $19,058 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $71,068 | $19,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, approximately 18% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 104 graduates with reported earnings and 102 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.