California State University-Bakersfield
California State University-Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, CA ranked #108 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A-, enrolling about 8,183 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 88.2%. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Engineering Science.
Day to day, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 79.7% first-year retention, and 49.3% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $5,825, about $11,173 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 90.1%, roughly 4.8 points higher than typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $44,282. That's about $594 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is California State University-Bakersfield 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-Bakersfield graduates 49.3% of students within six years and keeps 79.7% 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-Bakersfield'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 | $7,696 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,068 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,430 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,782 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $18,815 |
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 61.2% of California State University-Bakersfield 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 $3,070 annually, while high-income families pay $16,810. Use California State University-Bakersfield's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $10,935/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $16,810/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,282
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,282
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $11,270
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 55.2%
- Employment Rate 89.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for California State University-Bakersfield 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-Bakersfield vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how California State University-Bakersfield's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes California State University-Bakersfield's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn $44,282 median six years after enrollment, +1% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
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 8,183
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 79.7%
- Graduation Rate 49.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into California State University-Bakersfield
1. Meet Academic Requirements: California State University-Bakersfield 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 88.2%, California State University-Bakersfield 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 88.2% acceptance rate, California State University-Bakersfield 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-Bakersfield undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.8%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 11.9%
- Psychology, General 10.5%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 7.1%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 5.3%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.1%
See more majors
- Sociology 4.9%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 4.6%
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 $111,384
- 2. Engineering Science $88,102
- 3. Computer Science $83,688
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Natural Resources Management and Policy $76,104
- 5. Chemistry $68,270
- 6. Mathematics $66,465
- 7. English Language and Literature, General $64,875
- 8. Public Administration $63,595
- 9. Criminal Justice and Corrections $61,462
- 10. Biology, General $59,736
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $99,567
- 2. Education, General (Master's Degree) $86,211
- 3. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $85,746
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Social Work (Master's Degree) $78,867
- 5. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $71,950
- 6. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $69,542
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $111,384—86% more than Biology, General ($59,736). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $99,567 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-Bakersfield. 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, 373 graduates)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degree, 265 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 234 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 159 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 117 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 (37 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Psychology, General
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Biology, General
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Engineering Science
- Political Science and Government
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- Economics
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Mathematics
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Computer Engineering
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Natural Resources Management and Policy
- Chemistry
- Public Administration
- Philosophy
- Music
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Physics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Anthropology
- Natural Sciences
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)▼
- Social Work
- Public Administration
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
- History
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Biology, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Sociology
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 8,183
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 34.7%
- Female Students 65.3%
- Caucasian 12.3%
- Asian 6.9%
- Hispanic 68.8%
- Black 4.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 61.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects California State University-Bakersfield's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of California State University-Bakersfield'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-Bakersfield 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-Bakersfield, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: California State University-Bakersfield has a diverse student body, with 12.3% identifying as White. Women make up 65.3% of undergraduates. 61.2% 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-Bakersfield 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-Bakersfield, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
California State University-Bakersfield serves as a highly accessible institution for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #108 nationally with a 90.1% ROI, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.
At $5,825 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $44,282 median earnings. The 49.3% six-year graduation rate reflects reasonable completion metrics for a institution. While 79.7% retention suggests adequate student support.
Institution Value: California State University-Bakersfield's Strengths
Ranked #108 with a A- grade, California State University-Bakersfield prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.
Primary Strengths: Institutions like California State University-Bakersfield excel at providing affordable education ($5,825 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.
Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.
Honest Assessment: California State University-Bakersfield's 79.7% retention and 49.3% six-year graduation rate trail elite universities but align with typical institution performance. Career outcomes ($44,282 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.
Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, California State University-Bakersfield's 90.1% ROI and $5,825 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.
Key Takeaways
- 49.3% six-year graduation rate sits 13.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.7% first-year retention is 2.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 90.1% return on investment is 4.8 points above the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,282 run about 1% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $5,825 is roughly $14,308 lower than the national median of $20,133.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 89.7% employment rate within three years sits 21.5 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
Located in Bakersfield, CA, California State University-Bakersfield operates as a public university and receives a A- from EDsmart. It is currently ranked #108 nationally Completion earns C, Support B+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability B+.
Student momentum is strong: 79.7% retention and 49.3% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 90.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $5,825 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $18,815.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $12,990 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $11,270 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 61.2% 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
Median earnings come in near $44,282 six years after enrollment. This is roughly 1% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
Employment outcomes report about 89.7% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 90.1% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
88.2% 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-Bakersfield 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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Contact Information
- Address Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099
- Website www.csub.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$35.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate1.7%