Prospective Undergraduate Students
Cost Overview
Costs | Aid Programs | How to Apply for Aid (FAFSA) | How to Apply for Aid (DREAM) | After you Apply
When considering the cost of college, it’s important to look at the value of the education you will get. A Cost of Attendance (COA), or Budget, is broadly defined as the average cost to attend Cal Poly Pomona for one academic year (Fall & Spring semesters).
Estimates below represent the typical cost for a student to attend Cal Poly Pomona for a 9-month period (Fall and Spring). Each institution has its own COA, reflecting the specific expenses associated with attending that particular campus. Cal Poly Pomona consistently ranks as one of the top 100 best values in public colleges, according to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. Be sure to compare Cal Poly Pomona's COA with expenses at other colleges.
The COA is not a bill and it is for informational purposes only. Costs include both direct expenses payable to Cal Poly Pomona, such as tuition and fees, and indirect estimated expenses (not payable to CPP), like personal expenses and transportation. Your COA budget helps you and the Financial Aid Office determine approximately how much money you need to attend Cal Poly Pomona, and how much financial aid you need to meet that goal.
Your actual cost of attendance will vary depending on your program, residency status, your specific personal living arrangements and costs, and if you have veterans benefits. Consider how your own costs might differ. Will you budget carefully and spend less than the estimates? Will you face other costs that are not listed? You can reduce expenses by having roommates, eating out less frequently, and commuting to campus by foot, bike or public transportation.
FAQs
Below are the most recent tuition and cost estimates for an academic year (fall and spring semesters).
2025 - 2026 Cost of Attendance for California Residents (as of February 26, 2025)
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $8,148 | $8,148 | $8,148 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) |
$10,076 | $16,370 | $19,272 |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment | $1,062 | $1,062 | $1,062 |
| Transportation | $2,318 | $1,824 | $2,934 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,648 | $2,456 | $3,342 |
| Direct Loan Fees | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| TOTAL | $24,322 |
$29,930 | $34,828 |
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code).
Below are the most recent tuition and cost estimates for an academic year (fall and spring semesters).
2025 - 2026 Cost of Attendance Budgets - Non California Residents (as of February 26, 2025)
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Tuition* | $13,320 | $13,320 | $13,320 |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $8,148 |
$8,148 |
$8,148 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) |
$10,076 | $16,370 | $19,272 |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment | $1,062 | $1,062 | $1,062 |
| Transportation | $2,318 | $1,824 | $2,934 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,648 | $2,456 | $3,342 |
| Direct Loan Fees | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| TOTAL | $37,642 |
$43,250 | $48,148 |
*Non-Resident students are assessed the CA Resident Tuition and Fees, plus an additional $444 per unit in Non-Resident Tuition. The figure above is based on enrollment in 30 units for the academic year - 15 units per semester.
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code).
Cal Poly Pomona is proud to offer the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE - pronounced "woo-ee") program. This program offers qualified non-resident, freshmen and transfers, students the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams for just a fraction of the non-resident tuition!
What is WUE?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program is designed to permit students from participating states (listed above) to attend Cal Poly Pomona at reduced tuition rates. Students participating in Cal Poly Pomona's WUE program pay 150% more than the regular, California Resident (in-state) tuition rate.
WUE tuition is considerably less than nonresident tuition. At Cal Poly Pomona, nonresidents who do not participate in WUE pay $444 per unit in addition to state tuition fees.
2025 - 2026 Cost of Attendance for WUE Participants (as of February 26, 2025)
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $11,372 |
$11,372 | $11,372 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) |
$10,076 | $16,370 | $19,272 |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment | $1,062 | $1,062 | $1,062 |
| Transportation | $2,318 | $1,824 | $2,934 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,648 | $2,456 | $3,342 |
| Direct Loan Fees | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| TOTAL | $27,546 | $33,154 | $38,052 |
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code).
Who is Eligible for WUE?
Cal Poly Pomona freshman and transfer applicants who are residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states are automatically considered for WUE. No additional application is necessary. Program recipients are selected based on their academic profile and will be issued to the top 15% of WUE admits.
Recipients are notified by the Office of Admissions in April.
How do I find out more?
Cal Poly Pomona is a participating institution in the WUE Program. Information is available from the Cal Poly Pomona, Office of Admissions website, as well as the Western Undergraduate Exchange website.
A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining the cost of attendance at Cal Poly Pomona. The figures used for all categories (except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by Cal Poly Pomona students in the 2021 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission. 1,500 students from Cal Poly Pomona were contacted regarding the survey – and the response rate was 32.47%.
Amounts are updated annually based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index for non-surveyed years.
No distinction is made with respect to the mode of instruction in determining costs – students enrolled in online courses or a fully online program have the same elements included in their cost of attendance budget.
- Tuition & Mandatory Fees: Cost paid to Cal Poly Pomona for courses, includes mandatory campus fees. This figure is based off anticipated enrollment in 7 or more units.
- Living Expenses (Food and Housing): The average cost per academic year to live in the Pomona / LA County area while attending Cal Poly Pomona. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances (on-campus, off-campus, living at home)
- Commuter Food and Housing reflects the lower costs of living at home.
- On-Campus Food and Housing (Residence Halls) is based on the actual costs for a “Double Room” and the unlimited meal plan option, which provides for 21 meals per week.
- Off-Campus Food and Housing is based on the average amount reported by Cal Poly Pomona students on the 2021 SEARS survey. These figures assume a roommate.
- Food = $827 per month
- Housing = $1,314 per month
- Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment: The average amount students spend on books and educational supplies.
- Transportation: The average transportation cost between campus, residences, and place of work (includes bus fare, gasoline, tolls, parking, etc.). Amount does not include car payments, insurance, repairs or license fees.
- Personal Expenses: The average amount for personal expenses which includes clothing, personal care, cell phone plan, and health care costs not covered by insurance.
- Federal Direct Loan Fees: For students who borrow a Direct Loan, the average cost of the loan origination fee; for parents who borrow a Direct PLUS loan on behalf of their dependent student, the actual cost of the PLUS loan origination fee.
AB990 and SB467 Information - Housing Costs Near Cal Poly Pomona Campus (as of February 1, 2025):
- 1 bedroom: $2,346
- 2 bedroom: $2,961
- 2 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,481
- 3 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,256
- 4 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,043
(Data source - HUD 2025 Small Area Fair Market Rents within a 5-mile radius of Cal Poly Pomona campus)
The above housing costs are updated yearly on February 1st. It is important to understand the above average cost is for rent only and does not include cost of food, utilities, garbage, rental deposit, and other necessary expenses for housing. Most students share an apartment to reduce their housing cost.
Cal Poly Pomona provides several tools to help you estimate the costs associated with earning your degree. We encourage you to use them in order to have a better understanding of the true cost of attendance.
Net Price & Cost Calculator
By answering a few simple questions, the Cal Poly Pomona Net Price & Cost Calculator will present you with an early estimate of your full-time cost of attendance and financial aid at CPP.
College Scorecard
With the College Scorecard, you can see annual costs at Cal Poly Pomona that factor in room & board, student aid, and your family income.
Cal Poly Pomona Tuition website
Review the current Tuition & Fees information for Cal Poly Pomona.
Housing and Food Services
Research the room and meal rates for On-Campus Housing
Below are the cost of attendance budgets from 2024-2025.
California Resident COA Budget
2024-2025 Cal Poly Pomona Costs of Attendance, based on 7+ units per semester enrollment (as of 3/01/2024)
| CA Residents | Live with Family (Commuter) | Live on Campus | Live off Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Mandatory Fees | $7,780 | $7,780 | $7,780 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $9,712 | $16,202 | $18,519 |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment | $1,036 | $1,036 | $1,036 |
| Transportation | $2,320 | $1,826 | $2,937 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,586 | $2,398 | $3,262 |
| Direct Loan Fees | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Total | $23,504 | $29,312 |
$33,604 |
Non California Resident COA Budget
2024-2025 Cal Poly Pomona Costs of Attendance, based on 7+ units per semester enrollment (as of 3/01/2024)| Non-CA Residents | Live with Family (Commuter) | Live on Campus | Live off Campus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Mandatory Fees | $20,380 |
$20,380 |
$20,380 |
| Living Expenses (Food & Housing) | $9,712 | $16,202 |
$18,519 |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment | $1,036 | $1,036 | $1,036 |
| Transportation | $2,320 | $1,826 | $2,937 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,586 | $2,398 | $3,262 |
| Direct Loan Fees | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Total | $36,104 | $41,912 | $46,204 |
Non-Resident students are assessed the CA Resident Tuition and Fees, plus an additional $420 per unit in Non-Resident Tuition. The figure above is based on enrollment in 30 units for the academic year (15 units per semester).
**The following items are included in the "Additional Costs” listed in the chart above: Room & Board, Books & Supplies, Transportation, and Personal Expenses.
The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code).
