Credentials
Credential Student Costs
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The Cost of Attendance (COA), sometimes called a college budget, is an estimate of how much it typically costs to attend Cal Poly Pomona for one school year (Fall & Spring semesters).
The estimates below show the average cost for a student to attend Cal Poly Pomona for nine months. Every college has its own Cost of Attendance based on its sepcific campus costs. Cal Poly Pomona is regularly ranked as one of the top 100 best vaules among public colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.
The COA is not a bill - it's just an estimate to help you plan. It includes:
- Direct costs you pay to Cal Poly Pomona, like tuition and mandatory fees.
- Indirect costs that are part of going to college but aren't paid to CPP, like housing, food, transportation and personal expenses.
Your COA helps you and the Financial Aid Office figure out how much money you may need for the year and how much financial aid you could receive.
Keep in mind that your actual costs may be different. They depend on things like your major, whehter you're a California resident, where and how you live, and whether you receive veterans benefits. Think about your own situation. Whill you share housing with roommates? Cook at home instead of eating out? Walk, bike, or take public transportation to campus? Making smart choices can help lower your overall costs.
Learn about what is included in the cost of college and ways to reduce college costs.
Standard Cost of Attendance Budgets
Below are the most recent tuition and cost estimates for Credential Students for an academic year (fall and spring semesters).
2026 - 2027 Cost of Attendance for California Residents (as of February 9, 2026)
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systemwide Tuition Fee | $7,938 | $7,938 | $7,938 |
| Mandatory Campus Fees | $1,696 | $1,696 | $1,696 |
| Living Expenses (Food) |
$10,670 | $5,600 | $7,863 |
| Living Expenses (Housing) | $0 | $11,310 | $12,563 |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment | $1,112 | $1,112 | $1,112 |
| Transportation | $2,410 | $1,896 | $3,050 |
| Personal Expenses |
$2,996 | $2,778 | $3,778 |
| Direct Loan Fees | $84 | $84 | $84 |
| Total | $26,906 | $32,414 | $38,084 |
Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.
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).
2026 - 2027 Cost of Attendance Budgets - Non California Residents (as of February 9, 2026)
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Tuition* | $9,420 | $9,420 | $9,420 |
| Systemwide Tuition Fee | $7,938 | $7,938 | $7,938 |
| Mandatory Campus Fees | $1,696 | $1,696 | $1,696 |
| Living Expenses (Food) | $10,670 | $5,600 | $7,863 |
| Living Expenses (Housing) | $0 | $11,310 | $12,563 |
| Books, Supplies, Equipment |
$1,112 | $1,112 | $1,112 |
| Transportation | $2,410 | $1,896 | $3,050 |
| Personal Expenses |
$2,996 | $2,778 | $3,778 |
| Direct Loan Fees | $84 | $84 | $84 |
| Total | $36,326 | $41,834 | $47,504 |
Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.
*Non-Resident students are assessed the CA Resident Tuition and Fees, plus an additional $471 per unit in Non-Resident Tuition. The figure below is based on enrollment in 20 units for the academic year - 10 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).
At this time, Cal Poly Pomona does not offer designated parent or family housing. Because of this, the standard Cost of Attendance (COA) budgets for parenting students are the same as the budgets listed above. However, we understand that students with dependent children may have additional expenses and we're her to help.
If you're a student who has a dependent child under the age of 18, you may be eligible to request an increase to your Cost of Attendance (COA) to help cover childcare expenses while you attend Cal Poly Pomona.
How it Works
Your childcare allowance will be based on:
- The estimated costs you provide, or
- Average childcare rates in the local community (based on the number and ages of your dependents)
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify:
- Your dependent child(ren) must live in your household
- Childcare must be necessary so you can participate in your educational activities, such as:
- Attending classes
- Studying
- Completing fieldwork or research
- Participating in internships
- Commuting to and from campus
We understand that balancing school and parenting is a big responsibility, and we want to help make it possible for you to succeed.
Next Steps
Please contact our office directly for more information about how to request a childcare allowance and what documentation may be needed. Our team is happy to guide you through the process.
Additional Support for Parenting Students
Cal Poly Pomona offers several resources designed to support student parents:
- Student Parent Resouces: https://www.cpp.edu/studentparents
- Broncos Care Center: https://www.cpp.edu/broncoscarecenter
- ASI Children's Center (Child Care Services): https://asi.cpp.edu/services/child-care/children-center
You belong here - and we are committed to helping you and your family thrive.
If a student enrolls less than full-time in coursework required for their Credential program, their cost of attendance must be adjusted so it will reflect their actual costs (for required coursework). At Cal Poly Pomona adjustments will be made after the end each semester's Add/Drop period.
Adjustments for Students enrolled half-time, in 6 units of coursework required by the state for the Credential program:
- Tuition and Fees: Students who are enrolled in 6 units will have the tuition & fees part of their cost of attendance budget adjusted to reflect the lower 0-6 unit tuition rate. All other cost of attendance elements remain the same.
Adjustments for Students enrolled less than half-time (0 – 5 units):
For students enrolled less than half-time in required coursework, the following elements will be adjusted:
- Tuition and Fees adjusted to the lower 0-6 unit tuition rate
- Personal Expenses adjusted to $0 (as required under federal student aid regulations)
- Living Expenses (Food and Housing) adjusted to $0
Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.
Please note that Credential students enrolled in less than 6 units of coursework required by the state for the Credential program are only eligible for the Golden State Teacher Grant (all other federal, state and CPP aid requires half-time enrollment).
Below are the cost of attendance budgets from 2025-2026, based on enrollment in 7+ units.
California Residents
2025 - 2026 Cost of Attendance for California Residents (as of 2/26/2025)
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Systemwide Tuition Fee | $7,488 | $7,488 | $7,488 |
| Mandatory Campus Fees | $1,698 | $1,698 | $1,698 |
| Living Expenses (Food) | $10,076 | $5,390 | $7,444 |
| Living Expenses (Housing) | $0 | $10,980 | $11,828 |
| 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 | $84 | $84 | $84 |
| Total | $25,374 | $30,982 | $35,880 |
Non California Residents
2025 - 2026 Cost of Attendance Budgets - Non California Residents (as of 2/26/2025)
| Expenses | Commuter | On-Campus Housing |
Off-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Tuition* | $8,880 | $8,880 | $8,880 |
| Systemwide Tuition | $7,488 | $7,488 | $7,488 |
| Mandatory Campus Fees | $1,698 | $1,698 | $1,698 |
| Living Expenses (Food) | $10,076 | $5,390 | $7,444 |
| Living Expenses (Housing) | $0 | $10,980 | $11,828 |
| 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 | $84 | $84 | $84 |
| Total | $34,254 | $39,862 | $44,760 |
Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.
*Non-Resident students are assessed the CA Resident Tuition and Fees, plus an additional $444 per unit in Non-Resident Tuition. The figure below is based on enrollment in 20 units for the academic year - 10 units per semester.
Cost of Attendance Elements
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. Visit the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services (SACS) website to review the Systemwide Tuition Fee and a breakdown of the Mandatory Campus Fees.
- 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 = $874 per month
- Housing = $1,396 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, 2026):
1 bedroom: $2,331
2 bedroom: $2,906
2 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,453
3 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,229
4 bedrooms - renting own room: $1,025
(Data source - HUD 2026 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.
In addition to the elements included in our standard COA Budgets, the following elements can be included on a case-by-case basis, using our Cost of Attendance appeal form:
Computer Purchase: Reasonable costs related to the rental or upfront purchase of a personal computer.
Study Abroad Expenses: Reasonable costs (including travel, visa, passport, etc.) for students participating in a study abroad program approved for credit by Cal Poly Pomona.
Dependent care: Expenses incurred for dependent care, based on the number and age of the student’s dependents.
- The period for which dependent care is required includes, but is not limited to, class-time, study-time, field work, internships, and commuting time.
- Such allowance must not exceed the reasonable cost in the community in which the student resides for the kind of care provided
Disability-related expenses: Expenses associated with a student’s disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred and not provided for by other agencies.
Cooperative education cost: Students engaged in a work experience under a cooperative education program, an allowance for reasonable costs associated with such employment.
Professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential: For students in a program requiring professional licensure, certification, or a first professional credential, an allowance for the costs associated with obtaining the license, certification, or credential that occur within the academic year – if the costs have not already been included in the standard budget.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.
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
Federal Student Aid Budgeting Video:
