Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,815
55th percentile
Median Debt
$14,572
47% below national median

Analysis

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona$7,439$68,815$82,911$14,5720.21
California State University-ChicoChico$8,064$77,965$86,447$19,8020.25
DeVry University-CaliforniaOntario$17,488$67,395$75,968$53,0620.79
California State University-Long BeachLong Beach$7,008$57,069$74,802
National Median$67,395$27,5580.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with electrical engineering technologies/technicians graduates

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

$79,830/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

$77,180/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.

$71,270/yrJobs growth:

Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

$70,760/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

$65,380/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Calibration Technologists and Technicians

Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.

$65,040/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Sound Engineering Technicians

Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.

$56,600/yrJobs growth:

Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other

All engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, not listed separately.

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Disc Jockeys, Except Radio

Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).

Jobs growth:
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.