Understanding Cal Poly Pomona Expenses

Hey guys, I'm trying to figure out my college expenses early. So, does anyone have an idea about the total cost for 4 years at Cal Poly Pomona? I know tuition is a big part, but I'm really looking to understand the total cost including things like housing, books, and personal expenses. Any help would be appreciated!

Understanding the overall cost of college is important – good for you for taking this step. For California residents, at Cal Poly Pomona, the tuition and fees for one academic year are currently around $7,780. If you are an out-of-state student, tuition and fees for one academic year are currently around $12,600. However, this does not include other expenses like housing, meal plans, books, and personal expenses, which can really add up.

According to the university's website, if you're living on campus, you should budget around $16,202 for your housing and meals for an academic year. But keep in mind that these rates can vary depending on the type of housing and meal plan you choose.

Next, for books and supplies, it's safe to budget around $1,100 per academic year — though this can change depending on your major and if you choose to buy or rent textbooks, or if you can find them used.

For personal and transportation expenses, it's suggested to budget around $4,224 per academic year. This can also differ greatly on your personal circumstances, such as whether you maintain a vehicle or use public transport, your personal spending habits, etc.

In total, as a California resident, you're looking at approximately $29,312 per academic year. But remember, these estimates fluctuate. Of course, for a 4-year degree, it could amount to around $117,248 – calculated without considering the potential rise or fall in costs over the years. For non-California residents, your total cost is estimated to be $41,912, if you're full-time and live on campus. That would equate to $167,648 for a 4-year degree.

Don't forget—the net cost of attending college can be significantly reduced by financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and/or work-study. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA every year to apply for financial aid. You can also use the university's Net Price Calculator to get a better and more individualized understanding of what your costs might look like after financial aid (https://www.cpp.edu/financial-aid/resources/net-price-calculator.shtml).