Overview 

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, commonly referred to as Cal Poly-Pomona, has a distinguished history with its private school origin. Two national icons, Charles B. Voorhis, a prominent automotive industry figure, and William K. Kellogg, a cereal magnate, contributed to the university becoming one of the nation’s top institutions of higher education. Their legacies are evident today in the university’s mission statement, vision, and goals.

Setting and Location

Cal Poly-Pomona opened in 1938, and annually enrolls more than 20,500 students with a rich diversity of cultures and backgrounds. Located on the eastern edge of southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, the campus features lush, green, rolling hills; flowers, plants, and trees from all seven continents; a rose garden built by Kellogg; and a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden. Covering 1,438 acres, the campus is the second largest of the 23 CSU campuses in area. The campus also features several historic buildings that link to its ranch past, including the original stables and the winter home of Kellogg. Want to climb a mountain, play in the surf, romp through Disneyland, wander through museums, or experience the sights and sounds of downtown Los Angeles or Orange County? All of these experiences and more are just a short drive away.

Academics

As one of only nine polytechnic universities in the country, the campus offers nationally recognized programs in agriculture; business; education; engineering; letters, arts, and social sciences; environmental design; science; and hospitality management. Technology is integrated into a liberal arts education as well as the applied sciences. The university’s hallmark is its learn-by-doing philosophy, and students apply the theory they learn through hands-on projects, valuable internships, and service-learning programs. Undergraduate students have the privilege of working alongside university researchers due to the low student-faculty ratio. Because many faculty members are active in their industries, internships and real-world experience are part of the learning culture.

Student Life

Students thrive on an assortment of cocurricular activities including Greek life; athletics; student government; theater; the Arabian horse show; and 250 cultural, social, and academic clubs. The Tournament of Roses Parade has featured Cal Poly-Pomona’s float for nearly six decades. Twelve intercollegiate NCAA Division II teams are nationally recognized for excellence. Numerous multicultural programs, clubs, and activities celebrate the diversity of the student body.

Student Body

Cal Poly-Pomona is proud of its recognition as a top university for campus diversity and international students. Cal Poly-Pomona’s 2,670 faculty and staff members serve students from 49 states and 61 countries. Of the student body, 33 percent are Asian/Pacific Islander; 27 percent are Hispanic; 25.3 percent are Caucasian; 4 percent are African American; and 0.3 percent are Native American/Alaskan Native.

Housing

With 3,200 students, Cal Poly-Pomona has one of the largest on-campus residential populations in the Los Angeles region. Residence halls accommodate approximately 1,600 students, often by academic major, special interest, or lifestyle theme areas. Adjacent to the campus, the University Village complex accommodates about 1,200 students. New residential suites house 400 students and offer suite-style accommodations, an on-site café, and large study areas.