Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona's aerospace engineering program punches well above its weight, delivering first-year earnings of $78,320 that rank in the 87th percentile nationally—impressive for a school with a 74% admission rate and nearly half its students on Pell grants. That $26,295 in median debt translates to a 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates earn back their entire debt load in roughly four months. While the program ranks at the 60th percentile within California (trailing Cal Poly SLO and USC), it's worth noting that California's aerospace market is exceptionally competitive, with many programs clustered tightly around the $72,000 median.

The 17% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests solid career trajectory, though graduates here start strong rather than relying on dramatic later growth. What makes this particularly compelling is the combination of manageable debt—well below California's $21,305 state median for this program—and first-year earnings that exceed even pricier options like UCLA and UC Davis. For families concerned about return on investment, this program delivers aerospace engineering credentials without the financial strain of private institutions.

This is a straightforward value play: strong immediate earnings, reasonable debt, and proven industry connections in Southern California's aerospace corridor. If your child is serious about aerospace and doesn't get into Cal Poly SLO, this program offers excellent outcomes at a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere.