California State Polytechnic University-Pomona vs University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona comes out ahead: 89/100 to 83/100, a 6-point edge over University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona runs $11,531 a year against $15,300 at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - $3,769 more a year, or about $15,076 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, California State Polytechnic University-Pomona graduates earn a median $71,902 against $63,126 at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus. The cost earns itself back in 5 years at California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and 7.2 years at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave California State Polytechnic University-Pomona owing a median $16,000 versus $20,654 at University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.37 and 0.42 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | California State Polytech... | University of Oklahoma-No... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $7,780 | $9,797 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $20,380 | $27,377 |
| Net Price (avg) | $11,531 | $15,300 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $46,124 | $61,200 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $42,900 | $48,600 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $71,902 | $63,126 |
| Graduation Rate | 68.4% | 75.3% |
| Payback Period | 5 yr | 7.2 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $16,000 | $20,654 |
| Monthly Payment | $170 | $219 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.37 | 0.42 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 81.7% | 80.0% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 77.0% | 74.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 75.2% | 76.6% |
| Enrollment | 25,042 | 22,734 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | California State Pol... | University of Oklaho... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $7,851 | $10,509 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $8,433 | $10,602 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,734 | $14,536 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $13,894 | $19,342 |
| $110,001+ | $20,716 | $20,986 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | California State Pol... | University of Oklaho... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | $103,494 | $110,853 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | $106,171 | $89,714 |
| Computer Engineering | $100,673 | $105,525 |
| Electrical Engineering | $103,924 | $91,833 |
| Chemical Engineering | $102,849 | $94,291 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $99,148 | $91,653 |
| Industrial Engineering | $95,835 | $98,394 |
| Civil Engineering | $97,790 | $85,332 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,954 | $88,953 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences | $73,305 | $85,207 |
| Architecture | $76,969 | $70,383 |
| Economics | $61,084 | $76,123 |
| Mathematics | $63,059 | $76,026 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,024 | $71,589 |
| Chemistry | $70,741 | $31,419 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | California State Pol... | University of Oklaho... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 97 | 87 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 93 | 82 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 90 | 84 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 75 | 86 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 75 | 71 |
| Overall ROI Score | 89 | 83 |
The Verdict
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona has the clearly stronger ROI here (89 vs 83) - graduates earn more for what they paid, and the return is somewhat better. That said, if University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus is the stronger school for your intended major, that can outweigh the gap for you specifically.
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California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.