Computer Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
84 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
86
Optimistic
84
Base Case
78
Pessimistic
Earnings $70,768/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (71% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (167,700 openings/yr)
ROI 31.9x earnings multiple (12.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #39 of 174 Computer Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $1,006K $949K $729K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 33.8x 31.9x 24.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 13.0x 12.3x 9.4x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 74% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 86 84 78

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 (12.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,320
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,000
3.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$102,133
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $70,768/yr, Computer Engineering graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona land near the $78,694 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 31.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Engineering's typical career paths, with 71% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 28% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $20,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

At #39 of 174 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $70,768 to $102,133 over five years — a 44% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

With 74% of applicants admitted, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona prioritizes broad access, 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
Computer hardware engineers $155,020/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Computer Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

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For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
This program scores 84/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Engineering careers?
With 71% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $728,647 in decade earnings vs $1,006,084 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Computer Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #39 of 174 programs nationally, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona lands in the top 25%. 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 →