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Food Science and Technology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

Pomona, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $51,883/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (32% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (130,500 openings/yr)

ROI 20.9x earnings multiple (8.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #1 of 25 Food Science and Technology programs Top 5%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Food Science and Technology graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$631K	$622K	$570K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	21.2x	20.9x	19.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.2x	8.0x	7.4x
Probability of Field Employment	43%	40%	33%
DegreeOutlook Score	69	69	64

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 (8.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$46,320

-56% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$22,350

5.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$75,173

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $51,883 track close to the $49,845 national median for Food Science and Technology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 20.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 10% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Food Science and Technology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $22,350 in median debt against $51,883 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona ranks #1 among 25 Food Science and Technology programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 45% earnings increase from $51,883 to $75,173 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, one of the larger campuses at 24,271 students 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

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers $87,980/yr

Agricultural sciences teachers, postsecondary $86,350/yr

Food scientists and technologists $85,310/yr

View all 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Food Science and Technology 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 does a 69/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Food Science and Technology at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?

At 69/100, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Food Science and Technology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is California State Polytechnic University-Pomona one of the best schools for Food Science and Technology?

Among 25 Food Science and Technology programs, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's #1 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 →