Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Bachelor's Degree
cpp.eduAnalysis
Cal Poly Pomona's Electrical Engineering Technology program delivers something increasingly rare: solid earnings with minimal debt burden. Graduates leave with just $14,572 in median debt—nearly 30% below the state median and less than half the national average for this degree. That low debt combined with $68,815 starting earnings creates one of the better financial profiles you'll find, with graduates needing to dedicate only about three months of first-year income to pay off loans.
The earnings trajectory reinforces this value. While the program ranks around the middle nationally and performs slightly above California's median, the 21% earnings growth to $82,911 by year four suggests steady career progression. Among California's five schools offering this bachelor's degree, Cal Poly Pomona sits comfortably in the middle of the pack—behind CSU Chico but well ahead of Long Beach. The relatively accessible admission rate (74%) combined with strong financial outcomes makes this particularly attractive for students who might not crack into the most selective engineering programs.
The moderate sample size means these figures could shift somewhat, but the debt advantage is substantial enough to withstand variation. For families concerned about educational debt, this program offers a straightforward path to middle-class stability with manageable financial risk.
Where California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all electrical engineering technologies/technicians bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $68,815 | $82,911 | +20% |
| Wayne State University | $82,524 | $94,247 | +14% |
| California State University-Chico | $77,965 | $86,447 | +11% |
| DeVry University-California | $67,395 | $75,968 | +13% |
| California State University-Long Beach | $57,069 | $74,802 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Electrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (5 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,439 | $68,815 | $82,911 | $14,572 | 0.21 | |
| $8,064 | $77,965 | $86,447 | $19,802 | 0.25 | |
| $17,488 | $67,395 | $75,968 | $53,062 | 0.79 | |
| $7,008 | $57,069 | $74,802 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $67,395 | — | $27,558 | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Robotics Technicians
Electrical and Electronics Drafters
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Sound Engineering Technicians
Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists
Photonics Technicians
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
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 State Polytechnic University-Pomona, approximately 46% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 54 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.