Pomona College's published cost of attendance reaches $81,196 per year—$62,326 in tuition, $20,374 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $19,424 after financial aid, representing savings of $61,772 through institutional grant assistance.
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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) | $85,300 |
| Tuition and Fees | $65,420 |
| Room and Board | $21,394 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$66,015 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,285 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $4,841 |
| $30–48k | $7,026 |
| $48–75k | $17,054 |
| $75–110k | $15,719 |
| $110k+ | $37,842 |
Pomona College's published cost of attendance reaches $81,196 per year—$62,326 in tuition, $20,374 for room and board, and $1,100 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $19,424 after financial aid, representing savings of $61,772 through institutional grant assistance. This substantial aid reduction reflects Pomona's commitment to need-based financial aid and its significant endowment resources.
Net price varies dramatically by family income, ranging from $5,638 for families earning under $30,000 to $51,240 for families earning over $110,000. At $19,424, Pomona's average net price sits $2,388 below the peer median of $21,812, indicating competitive pricing relative to similar institutions. The institution's generous aid packaging enables access for students from diverse economic backgrounds despite the high published cost.
Pomona College's financial aid profile reflects both generous institutional resources and moderate socioeconomic diversity. With 18.5% of students receiving Pell grants, Pomona enrolls fewer low-income students than public institutions but maintains meaningful representation considering its high selectivity.
The $61,772 average financial aid savings indicates substantial institutional investment in student access, with most aid coming through grants rather than loans. Average net prices vary from $5,099 for middle-income families to $51,240 for high-income families, creating a progressive cost structure that makes the institution accessible across income levels.
This aid approach aligns with Pomona's need-blind admission policy and commitment to meeting full demonstrated financial need. The generous aid packaging helps explain why graduates maintain such low debt levels despite the high published cost of attendance.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Pomona College graduates carry remarkably low debt levels, with median debt of $11,782 ranking at the 89th percentile nationally. Debt ranges from $5,554 at the 25th percentile to $19,500 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students borrow modest amounts.
At $11,782, median debt sits $13,218 below the peer median of $25,000, representing exceptional performance in debt management. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 indicates highly manageable repayment obligations, well below typical sustainability thresholds.
Parent PLUS borrowing reaches a median of $27,861 with monthly payments of $367, reflecting family participation in education financing. The combination of generous institutional aid, need-based policies, and careful loan counseling creates conditions where most students graduate with minimal debt burdens.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Pomona College represents a strong long-term investment despite modest earnings relative to student academic credentials. Graduates earn $77,779 median income, ranking at the 92nd percentile nationally and $27,367 above peer institutions.
However, earnings fall $3,614 below expectations relative to similar student backgrounds, placing performance in the below-average tier for earnings beyond expectations. With median debt of $11,782—well below peer levels—the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.15 indicates excellent financial sustainability.
The institution ranks in the top 25% nationally for median earnings outcomes, reflecting strong absolute performance even as relative performance remains modest. Strong return index performance at the 85.5th percentile demonstrates favorable long-term financial outcomes through the combination of solid earnings and minimal debt obligations.
