Computer Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona's computer engineering program starts graduates at $70,768—roughly $5,000 below California's median for the degree—but this is where the trajectory becomes the real story. By year four, earnings jump to nearly $89,000, representing 26% growth that outpaces typical engineering career arcs. The $20,250 median debt translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29, one of the better financial positions among California engineering programs and well below what you'd carry at private alternatives like Santa Clara.

The 40th percentile ranking among California programs reflects the initial earnings gap with UC schools and Cal Poly SLO, where graduates start $25,000-$40,000 higher. But that gap exists largely because those programs feed directly into highest-tier tech companies with premium entry offers. Cal Poly Pomona serves a different role: with 74% admission rates and 46% Pell grant recipients, it's providing accessible engineering education that still launches careers with strong upward momentum. The robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't outlier results.

For families prioritizing ROI over brand prestige, this works. Your child graduates with manageable debt, enters the workforce earning a solid if not spectacular salary, and sees meaningful raises as experience accumulates. If they're targeting FAANG companies immediately, the higher-ranked UCs offer better positioning. But for building a stable engineering career without excessive debt, Cal Poly Pomona delivers clear value.