Biotechnology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
59
Pessimistic
Earnings $60,697/yr (26% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Medium (18,700 openings/yr)
ROI 22.2x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #1 of 18 Biotechnology programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $680K $662K $588K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 22.9x 22.2x 19.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.8x 8.6x 7.6x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 48% 35%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 59

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 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$46,320
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,562
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$80,268
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $60,697 per year, Biotechnology graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona significantly outpace the $48,121 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 22.2x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biotechnology programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biotechnology's typical career paths, with 48% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 14% gap from the optimistic case.

The median debt load of $17,562 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios we track.

Ranked #1 of 18 programs, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Biotechnology program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.

Earnings grow from $60,697 to $80,268 over five years — a 32% 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, serving a student body of 24,271 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

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Biological scientists, all other $93,330/yr
Biological science teachers, postsecondary $83,460/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biotechnology at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biotechnology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
A score of 64/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Biotechnology field.
Will AI replace Biotechnology careers?
With 48% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $588,153 in decade earnings vs $680,497 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →