Aerospace Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
77
Optimistic
77
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $78,320/yr (7% vs median)
AI Risk High (41% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,800 openings/yr)
ROI 30.6x earnings multiple (11.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 57 Aerospace programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Aerospace Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $931K $909K $789K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 31.3x 30.6x 26.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.1x 11.8x 10.2x
Probability of Field Employment 85% 81% 61%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 77 74

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,756
Out-of-state: $77,276 (11.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,320
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,750
3.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$97,066
24% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $78,320 at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona come in 7% above the national median of $73,060 for Aerospace Engineering programs.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 30.6x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Aerospace Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Aerospace Engineering's typical career paths, with 41% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

With first-year pay of $78,320 far exceeding the $25,750 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #2 of 57 nationally, this is a top-5% Aerospace Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $78,320 to $97,066 over five years — a 24% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona accepts 74% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with 24,271 students enrolled in Pomona, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Aerospace engineers $134,830/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Aerospace Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Aerospace Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
This program scores 77/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Aerospace Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Aerospace Engineering careers?
With 41% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $789,031 in decade earnings vs $931,242 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Aerospace Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 57 programs nationally, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →