Industrial Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona's industrial engineering graduates start at $75,110—tracking right at the national median but falling below California's typical $83,935. Among the eight California schools offering this major, this program ranks in the 40th percentile, trailing both Cal Poly SLO and USC by roughly $12,000 in starting salary. That gap matters in a high-cost-of-living state where many graduates will be competing for the same regional employers.

The $25,000 debt load is reasonable and close to national norms, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33. Graduates should be able to handle these payments comfortably on an entry-level engineering salary. The 15% earnings growth to $86,122 by year four shows solid career progression, and the school's 46% Pell grant population demonstrates it's successfully launching first-generation and lower-income students into well-paying technical careers.

For families weighing Cal Poly Pomona against California alternatives, this comes down to cost versus ceiling. If in-state tuition keeps your total debt near this median, you're getting reliable access to engineering jobs at a price point that works. But students with stronger academic profiles might consider Cal Poly SLO, where graduates earn an extra $12,000 annually—the admissions selectivity gap suggests that investment could pay off through better industry connections and recruiting pipelines.