Physics at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
Bachelor's Degree
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
Physics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (58 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | — | $88,601 | $23,000 | — |
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $64,045 | $51,682 | $23,000 | 0.36 |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $60,495 | $73,644 | $21,100 | 0.35 |
| California State University-San Bernardino | $57,114 | — | — | — |
| California State University-San Marcos | $56,018 | $66,529 | $19,069 | 0.34 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara | $53,597 | $88,722 | $15,982 | 0.30 |
| National Median | $47,670 | — | $23,304 | 0.49 |
Other Physics Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona | $7,439 | $64,045 | $23,000 |
| University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles | $13,747 | $60,495 | $21,100 |
| California State University-San Bernardino San Bernardino | $7,675 | $57,114 | — |
| California State University-San Marcos San Marcos | $7,739 | $56,018 | $19,069 |
| University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara | $14,965 | $53,597 | $15,982 |
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.