Industrial Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
74 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
75
Optimistic
74
Base Case
72
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,110/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk High (43% exposed)
Job Market Large (60,900 openings/yr)
ROI 27.3x earnings multiple (10.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 93 Industrial Engineering programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $833K $811K $707K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 28.0x 27.3x 23.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 10.8x 10.5x 9.1x
Probability of Field Employment 68% 64% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 75 74 72

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 (10.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,320
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$95,032
27% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $75,110 track close to the $73,874 national median for Industrial Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 27.3x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Industrial Engineering programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Industrial Engineering's typical career paths, with 43% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 15% gap from the optimistic case.

At $25,000 in median debt against $75,110 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #10 of 93 nationally, this is a top-5% Industrial Engineering program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $75,110 to $95,032 over five years — a 27% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, 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
Industrial production managers $121,440/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Industrial Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Industrial Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
This program scores 74/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Industrial Engineering nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Industrial Engineering careers?
With 43% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $706,914 in decade earnings vs $832,734 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Industrial Engineering program stand out?
Ranked #10 of 93 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 →