About Cal Poly Pomona
A brief mélange of history, quick facts, and philosophy
Intro
Striking a balance between urban excitement and rural charm, Cal Poly Pomona is nestled in 1,438 rolling acres on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County. As one of only seven polytechnic universities nationwide, Cal Poly Pomona is known for its learn-by-doing philosophy. The university recognizes that students who solve classroom problems today have an advantage as employees solving real-world problems tomorrow. Faculty in all disciplines apply theory to practice, creating opportunities for students to use their knowledge in hands-on projects, collaboration in research, and participation in valuable internships and service learning programs.
Academic Programs
Ranked among the top public universities in the western United States, Cal Poly Pomona provides a rich academic experience that encourages hands-on learning in every program, course, and activity on campus. The university features eight academic colleges: Agriculture; Business Administration; Collins College of Hospitality Management; Education and Integrative Studies; Engineering; Environmental Design; Letters, Arts and Social Sciences; and Science. In addition, community access to traditional extension programs is offered through the Extended University.
Community
Benefitting from a diverse campus community, Cal Poly Pomona is alive with academic, social and volunteer opportunities. Students may choose to work side-by-side with faculty on research, garner unique internships or volunteer in community development projects. The campus community boasts 280 clubs and organizations reflecting a broad range of interests. More than 3,200 students live on campus in traditional dorms, residential suites and university apartments. The Cal Poly Pomona Foundation also provides affordable off-campus housing options for faculty and staff.
Campus Roots
Cal Poly Pomona opened in the fall of 1938 with an all-male enrollment of 110 students as the Voorhis Unit of California State Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo. It was located on the 150-acre San Dimas site of the former Voorhis School for Boys. Breakfast cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg deeded 813 acres of land located three miles south of the Voorhis campus to the state of California in 1949. In 1956, 508 students and 44 faculty and staff moved from San Dimas to the Kellogg campus. In a first for the all-male campus, 329 women joined the student body in 1961. The Pomona campus separated from the San Luis Obispo campus in 1966 and became California State Polytechnic College, Kellogg Campus. University status was granted in 1972. Today, the campus covers 1,438 acres and is the second largest in area among the California State University’s 23 campuses. More than 3,000 faculty and staff support the education of 21,000 students. For more information on university history, visit the Library’s University Archives website.
Basic Info
- FULL NAME: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, better known as Cal Poly Pomona
- LOCATION: 3801 W. Temple Avenue, Pomona (at the 10 and 57 freeway interchange in Pomona, about 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles)
- AFFILIATION: Part of the 23-campus California State University system
- MOTTO: Instrumentum Disciplinae (Application of Knowledge)
- PHILOSOPHY: Learn by Doing
- ACADEMIC CALENDAR: Four quarters per year, 11 weeks each
- AVERAGE ENROLLMENT: 20,000 undergraduates and 2100 Postbaccalaureate
- AVERAGE UNDERGRADUATE CLASS SIZE: 26
- UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT:FACULTY RATIO: 25:1
- ANNUAL RESIDENT FULL-TIME FEES:
- Undergraduate $4,806
- Graduate $5,790
- Teaching Credential $5,484
- * Includes state and mandatory campus fees. 6.1 units and above each quarter (based on fall 2010 fees)
- Out-of-state students pay an additional $248 per unit
- ANNUAL FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS: $132,200,000 disbursed annually among 67% of enrolled students
- ACCREDITATIONS: Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Individual programs and departments are also approved by accreditation boards and councils.
- MASCOT: Billy Bronco
- ATHLETICS: Competing at the NCAA Division II level, Cal Poly Pomona sponsors 10 intercollegiate sports including baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's track and field and women's volleyball. The Broncos have captured 14 national team titles.
