Food Science and Technology (Bachelor's Degree) at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Median Earnings (1yr)

$51,883

50th percentile

40th percentile in California

Median Debt

$17,498

16% below national median

Analysis

Cal Poly Pomona's Food Science and Technology program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—exactly at the national median for first-year earnings ($51,883) but trailing several California competitors. Among the six Cal State schools offering this degree, it ranks in the 40th percentile, with Cal State LA and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduates earning slightly more out of the gate.

The program's strength lies in its debt profile: graduates leave with just $17,498 in median debt, well below both the state and national averages. That translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, meaning graduates owe roughly four months' salary—easily serviceable on a food science salary. The 21% earnings growth to $62,994 by year four is solid and suggests the degree opens doors to career progression in California's substantial food manufacturing and agricultural sectors.

For families watching costs, this represents a low-risk entry point into food science. You're not getting the premium that comes with a UC Davis degree, but you're also not taking on crushing debt for comparable starting outcomes. Given Cal Poly Pomona's 46% Pell Grant rate and reasonable tuition, students who are debt-averse and regionally mobile within California should feel confident this program delivers value without financial strain.

Where California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all food science and technology 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	$51,883	$62,994	+21%
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo	$52,240	$73,350	+40%
Cornell University	$64,062	$70,212	+10%
University of California-Davis	$52,084	$65,196	+25%
California State University-Fresno	$45,796	$56,851	+24%

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Food Science and Technology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (6 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
California State Polytechnic University-PomonaPomona	$7,439	$51,883	$62,994	$17,498	0.34
California State University-Los AngelesLos Angeles	$6,813	$52,806	—	—	—
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo	$11,075	$52,240	$73,350	$20,654	0.40
University of California-DavisDavis	$15,247	$52,084	$65,196	$14,750	0.28
California State University-FresnoFresno	$6,980	$45,796	$56,851	$16,500	0.36
National Median	—	$51,883	—	$20,945	0.40

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with food science and technology graduates

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Food Scientists and Technologists

Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Soil and Plant Scientists

Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.

$78,770/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Food Science Technicians

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

$48,480/yrJobs growth:Associate's degree

Food Batchmakers

Set up and operate equipment that mixes or blends ingredients used in the manufacturing of food products. Includes candy makers and cheese makers.

$40,050/yrJobs growth:

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend continuous flow or vat-type equipment; filter presses; shaker screens; centrifuges; condenser tubes; precipitating, fermenting, or evaporating tanks; scrubbing towers; or batch stills. These machines extract, sort, or separate liquids, gases, or solids from other materials to recover a refined product. Includes dairy processing equipment operators.

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 41 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.