Social Sciences at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Similar Social Sciences programs across California suggest first-year earnings around $34,871, which lands below the national median of $37,459. At comparable Cal State campuses with reported data—like Stanislaus ($39,149) and Sacramento ($39,061)—graduates typically see better initial outcomes, though this gap may narrow as careers develop. For a school serving nearly half Pell-eligible students, Cal Poly Pomona provides accessible education, but the estimated earnings don't position graduates at the front of the pack.

The estimated debt of $16,338 tells a more encouraging story. Peer programs in California's public system suggest borrowers here leave with roughly $9,000 less debt than the national median for Social Sciences degrees. With a debt-to-earnings ratio around 0.47, graduates would need about half their first-year salary to cover what they borrowed—manageable if those California earnings trends hold true. That's a lighter burden than many bachelor's programs create.

The challenge is certainty. These figures come from similar programs statewide, not Cal Poly Pomona's actual graduates in this major. If your student is considering this path, connect with the department directly to understand where recent alumni actually land—employers, job titles, starting salaries. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable debt and modest starting pay, but you'll want real outcomes before committing four years and tuition dollars to this particular program.