Physicsat California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Graduates earn $64,045/yr in their first year — about 38.0% above the national Physics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $660K; scenarios range from $593K to $683K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Cal Poly Pomona
Your strong outcomes in Physics at Cal Poly Pomona reflect the program's practical, "learn by doing" approach, highly valued by employers in Southern California's robust aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. This region's demand for analytical minds, coupled with the university's reputation for producing industry-ready graduates, allows many to pivot into engineering, data science, or R&D roles beyond traditional physics research.
While the field faces significant AI transformation, this doesn't mean obsolescence; it signals evolving job functions. AI will increasingly handle complex data analysis and modeling, making your ability to *apply* these tools crucial. Focus on developing strong computational skills and interdisciplinary problem-solving, ensuring you're not just understanding physics, but also leveraging advanced technologies to drive innovation in your chosen career path.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Cal Poly Pomona's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Physics
How Cal Poly Pomona stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Cal Poly Pomona
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Cal Poly Pomona, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Frequently asked about Physics at Cal Poly Pomona
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Physics at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Physics nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Physics careers?
With 50% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $592,890 in decade earnings vs $682,915 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes California State Polytechnic University-Pomona's Physics program stand out?
Ranked #2 of 75 programs nationally, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona lands in the top 5%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.