California State Polytechnic University-Pomona maintains strong affordability as a public institution, with a published cost of attendance of $22,672 per year. This includes $7,439 in in-state tuition, $16,330 for room and board, and $995 for books and supplies.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,955 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,380 |
| Room and Board | $16,682 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,036 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$12,424 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $11,531 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $7,851 |
| $30–48k | $8,433 |
| $48–75k | $10,734 |
| $75–110k | $13,894 |
| $110k+ | $20,716 |
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona maintains strong affordability as a public institution, with a published cost of attendance of $22,672 per year. This includes $7,439 in in-state tuition, $16,330 for room and board, and $995 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $19,319, though most enrolled students are California residents.
The average student pays just $11,580 after financial aid, representing savings of $11,092 from the sticker price. This net price of $11,580 compares favorably to the peer median of $15,590, providing a $4,010 advantage over similar institutions. The substantial financial aid savings reflect California's commitment to college affordability through state grant programs, institutional aid, and federal support.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona remains highly manageable, with median debt of $16,000 ranking at the 83rd percentile nationally for controlled borrowing. Debt levels range from $7,333 at the 25th percentile to $26,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with moderate debt burdens.
The $16,000 median debt falls $4,000 below the peer median of $20,000, demonstrating Cal Poly Pomona's effectiveness in controlling student borrowing relative to similar institutions. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates that typical graduates dedicate roughly 22% of their income to debt service, which falls within manageable parameters for long-term financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona delivers exceptional return on educational investment through the combination of controlled costs, manageable debt, and strong earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $15,228 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 91.2nd percentile nationally with top-tier performance on this critical value measure.
The median earnings of $71,902 exceed the peer median by $11,359, demonstrating superior post-graduation outcomes. With median debt of $16,000 that is $4,000 below peer institutions, students achieve stronger earnings with less borrowing—the ideal combination for long-term financial success.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to income capacity, supporting successful debt repayment and financial stability. Cal Poly Pomona's return index ranking at the 86.7th percentile with strong tier performance reflects this favorable balance of costs, debt, and outcomes.
Financial aid at Cal Poly Pomona effectively reduces costs for the majority of students, with 46.0% receiving Pell grants indicating substantial need-based aid distribution. The $11,092 average financial aid savings represents nearly half of the total cost of attendance, demonstrating the combined impact of federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
The institution's ability to serve 46.0% Pell-eligible and 49.3% first-generation students while maintaining strong affordability reflects effective financial aid packaging. California's robust state aid programs, including Cal Grants and Middle Class Scholarships, supplement federal Pell grants and institutional assistance.
The progressive net price structure indicates that aid is effectively targeted toward students with the greatest financial need, while families at higher income levels still receive meaningful support. This aid profile supports Cal Poly Pomona's role as a Mobility Engine institution by ensuring that students from diverse economic backgrounds can access quality education without prohibitive debt burdens.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,000 with monthly payments of $198, reflecting moderate family borrowing to supplement student aid. The controlled debt levels, combined with strong earnings outcomes of $71,902, create favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
