Civil Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
79
Optimistic
77
Base Case
74
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,758/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 30.7x earnings multiple (11.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 220 Civil Engineering programs Top 1%

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $965K $914K $784K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 32.4x 30.7x 26.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 12.5x 11.8x 10.1x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 79 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
$16,500
2.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$99,934
32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $75,758/yr, edging above the $69,097 national average for Civil Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

With a 30.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 19% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,500 in median debt against $75,758 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

Among 220 Civil Engineering programs nationally, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ranks #2 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

A 32% earnings increase from $75,758 to $99,934 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

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
Petroleum engineers $141,280/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Civil Engineering at Other Schools

Compare Civil Engineering

Other Majors at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 77/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
At 77/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Civil Engineering at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is California State Polytechnic University-Pomona one of the best schools for Civil Engineering?
Among 220 Civil Engineering programs, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →