California State University-San Bernardino
California State University-San Bernardino has an acceptance rate of 93.7%, annual tuition of $8,093, average net price of $4,564, and a national rank of #148 (Grade A-), with a 70.8% graduation rate, about 15,023 undergraduates, and median earnings of $55,441 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
California State University-San Bernardino is a public university in San Bernardino, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Engineering.
Day to day, students benefit from a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, and 79.6% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 239.3%, roughly 189.4 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and career-focused learners aiming for high-impact outcomes.
Who is California State University-San Bernardino Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
California State University-San Bernardino graduates 70.8% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 79.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use California State University-San Bernardino's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $8,093 |
| Books and Supplies | $886 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $15,002 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,951 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $17,427 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 57.6% of California State University-San Bernardino students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Low-income families pay less than $2,681 annually, while high-income families pay $14,316. Use California State University-San Bernardino's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $7,745/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $14,316/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $55,441
- 10-Year Median Earnings $59,977
- Average Years to Graduate 5.1 years
- Average Student Debt $14,715
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.2%
- Employment Rate 90.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California State University-San Bernardino graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
California State University-San Bernardino vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California State University-San Bernardino's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California State University-San Bernardino's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: With a 239.3% return on investment, California State University-San Bernardino delivers exceptional value. Graduates earn $55,441 median—-8% above the national average—making this a strong investment for career-focused students.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 15,023
- Full-Time Students 83.3%
- Part-Time Students 16.7%
- Retention Rate 79.6%
- Graduation Rate 70.8%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 22:1
How to Get Into California State University-San Bernardino
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California State University-San Bernardino requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 93.7%, California State University-San Bernardino is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 93.7% acceptance rate, California State University-San Bernardino is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among California State University-San Bernardino undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Psychology, General, and Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 21.9%
- Psychology, General 13.7%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 6.3%
- Sociology 6.0%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.9%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.5%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 4.1%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.3%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $109,558
- 2. Computer Engineering $97,972
- 3. Computer Science $94,648
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Computer and Information Sciences, General $77,323
- 5. Finance and Financial Management Services $68,892
- 6. Natural Resources Conservation and Research $67,086
- 7. Chemistry $66,198
- 8. Economics $63,448
- 9. Mathematics $62,031
- 10. Social Work $61,618
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $117,527
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $105,309
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $97,472
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $87,254
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $85,395
- 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $82,253
- 7. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Post-Baccalaureate Certificate) $78,737
- 8. Social Work (Master's Degree) $77,306
- 9. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $77,183
- 10. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $75,254
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $109,558—78% more than Social Work ($61,618). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $117,527 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for California State University-San Bernardino. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 1,096 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 687 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 315 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 301 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 276 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (42 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Sociology
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Biology, General
- English Language and Literature, General
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- History
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Computer Engineering
- Social Work
- Nutrition Sciences
- Economics
- Anthropology
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Physics
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Philosophy
- Geography and Cartography
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Area Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Human Services, General
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Public Health
- International/Global Studies
- Design and Applied Arts
Online Master's Degrees (32 programs)â–¼
- Public Administration
- Special Education and Teaching
- Education, General
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Psychology, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Public Health
- Mathematics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Social Sciences, General
- Research and Experimental Psychology
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Computer Science
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Historic Preservation and Conservation
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Educational/Instructional Media Design
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (4 programs)â–¼
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Computer Programming
- Accounting and Related Services
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 15,023
- Full-Time Students 83.3%
- Part-Time Students 16.7%
- Male Students 39.1%
- Female Students 60.9%
- Caucasian 9.3%
- Asian 5.8%
- Hispanic 72.9%
- Black 5.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients 57.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California State University-San Bernardino's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California State University-San Bernardino's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-San Bernardino support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-San Bernardino, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-San Bernardino has a diverse student body, with 9.3% identifying as White. Women make up 60.9% of undergraduates. 57.6% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does California State University-San Bernardino support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at California State University-San Bernardino, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California State University-San Bernardino achieves an outstanding 239.3% return on investment, ranking among the top value institutions nationwide. While ranked #148 overall, the school's financial value proposition significantly outperforms its selectivity ranking.
Students graduate to $55,441 median earnings while paying just $4,564 annually—a combination that produces superior ROI. The 70.8% graduation rate and 79.6% retention demonstrate solid student outcomes and satisfaction.
High-Value Institution: Why California State University-San Bernardino Delivers Strong Returns
EDsmart identifies California State University-San Bernardino as a high-value institution where modest costs combine with strong earning potential.
The Value Formula: California State University-San Bernardino's 239.3% ROI stems from balancing $55,441 median post-graduation earnings against $4,564 annual costs. This ratio outperforms most selective institutions where higher earnings come with prohibitive price tags.
Ideal Candidates: Budget-conscious students seeking maximum financial return. First-generation college students and middle-class families who need affordable paths to solid careers. Students in practical fields (business, healthcare, technology) where degree cost directly impacts lifetime wealth accumulation.
Understanding the Trade-offs: Schools with 239.3% ROI typically offer less brand prestige than elite universities. Career services, research opportunities, and facilities may be less extensive. For fields where institutional reputation matters significantly (law, medicine, academia), higher-ranked alternatives might justify additional investment.
EDsmart Verdict: With a A- grade and #148 ranking, California State University-San Bernardino represents smart value for students prioritizing financial outcomes. The school proves that high ROI doesn't require elite selectivity—careful program selection and cost management deliver results.
Key Takeaways
- 70.8% graduation rate sits 8.3 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.6% first-year retention is 2.8 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 239.3% return on investment is 189.4 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $55,441 run about 8% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $4,564 is roughly $15,515 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 22:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 90.4% employment rate within three years sits 22.2 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
California State University-San Bernardino, a public university in San Bernardino, CA, secures a A- grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #148 nationally Completion earns C, Support B+, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability B+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 79.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 70.8% earn an award within eight years of entry. Return on investment currently measures 239.3% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $4,564 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $17,427.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,863 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,715 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 57.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $55,441 four years after graduation. Compared with the national median, that's 8% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 90.4%.
The ROI comes in near 239.3%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
93.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the California State University-San Bernardino admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is California State University-San Bernardino's acceptance rate?
California State University-San Bernardino's acceptance rate is 93.7%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does California State University-San Bernardino cost?
At California State University-San Bernardino, listed tuition and fees are $8,093 per year, and the average net price after aid is $4,564. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is California State University-San Bernardino's ranking?
California State University-San Bernardino ranks #148 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of A-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is California State University-San Bernardino's graduation rate?
At California State University-San Bernardino, the graduation rate is 70.8%, and first-year retention is 79.6%.
What are California State University-San Bernardino's job outcomes?
Graduates of California State University-San Bernardino report median earnings of $55,441 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is California State University-San Bernardino's student population?
California State University-San Bernardino enrolls about 15,023 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393
- Website www.csusb.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$51.2M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.4%