Civil Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona's civil engineering program costs $16,500 in median debt and delivers $75,758 in first-year earnings—a 0.22 debt-to-earnings ratio that ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for affordability. For context, the typical civil engineering graduate nationwide carries $24,500 in debt for $69,574 in earnings. This is exceptional value, especially considering the school's 74% admission rate makes it accessible to strong students who might not get into more selective programs.

The earnings picture deserves closer attention. While $75,758 beats 95% of civil engineering programs nationally, it lands at the 60th percentile among California's 23 programs—solidly above the state median of $73,540, but trailing the elite tier (USC, Cal Poly SLO, Berkeley). Four-year earnings grow to $84,701, a healthy 12% increase that puts graduates on stable footing. Nearly half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting this program creates genuine upward mobility for working-class families.

For an anxious parent, the calculation is straightforward: your child gets top-tier outcomes nationally while paying roughly two-thirds what other civil engineering students pay in debt. They won't match USC salaries immediately, but they'll start their career with minimal financial burden and strong earning potential. That's a compelling tradeoff, particularly if your child is a solid but not exceptional student who might struggle to get into Cal Poly SLO or Berkeley.