Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona's electrical engineering program demonstrates exactly what a solid state school should deliver: strong starting salaries at roughly half the debt of the national average. Graduates launch their careers earning $80,827—putting them ahead of 72% of electrical engineering programs nationally—while carrying just $18,812 in debt. That's nearly $6,000 below California's median for this major. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 means your child could theoretically pay off their loans in less than three months of their first-year salary, though obviously other expenses make that unrealistic.

The program ranks in the 60th percentile among California's 32 electrical engineering programs, which places it solidly in the middle tier for the state. Yes, UC Berkeley grads earn 70% more, but they're competing for admission to one of the world's most selective universities. More relevant comparisons are Cal Poly San Luis Obispo ($90,576) and USC ($89,684)—programs that earn about 10% more but likely come with significantly higher costs or admission barriers. With a 74% admission rate and nearly half the students on Pell grants, Cal Poly Pomona offers accessibility alongside respectable outcomes.

The 10% earnings growth to $88,722 by year four suggests steady career progression. For families seeking an affordable path to a well-paying engineering career without betting on elite admissions, this program delivers straightforward value.