California State University-Bakersfield
About California State University-Bakersfield
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
CSU Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, California, serving the southern San Joaquin Valley. It offers affordable education with programs in business, nursing, natural sciences, and education.
Founded
1965
Location
Bakersfield, California
Students
10,131
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
93.9%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
49.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$8,090
Out-of-state: $20,690
Avg Net Price
$5,652
After financial aid
SAT Average
Not Considered
Test-blind. Grades and essays decide
Median Earnings
$59,009
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Blind
Application Fee
$70
Early
N/A
Deadline
Dec 15
California State University-Bakersfield accepts the majority of applicants at 93.9%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
49.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
78.8%
4-Year Grad
17%
6-Year Grad
48%
Teaching Quality
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
52%
$/Student
$8.9K
Class Size
Large
The 17% graduation rate is below average, but 78.8% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$8,090
In-State
$20,690
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,076
Books & Supplies
$954
Total Cost of Attendance
$19,522
After Financial Aid
$5,652
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$3,536
Receive Grants
60.7%
Take Loans
23.3%
The full cost of attendance is about $19,522/yr for in-state students, including $15,076 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $5,652. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $20,690.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at California State University-Bakersfield fund their education.
While in School
60.7%
Get Grants
Free money
23.3%
Take Loans
Must repay
$27,270
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$16,600
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$176/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 23.3% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $16,600. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends California State University-Bakersfield.
Gender
64.9%
Female
35%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
8,577
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,554
Graduates
58.2%
First-Gen
23 yrs
Avg Age
24.2%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 65% of the student body. 58.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Large
Campus Quick Facts
8,577
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
No
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
California State University-Bakersfield fields 11 varsity teams with 380 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I without football
Conference
Big West
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
380
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
41% / 59%
155
Men
225
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of California State University-Bakersfieldearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,009
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
$62K
362 grads
4yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$58K
317 grads
4yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$49K
277 grads
4yr Earnings
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$54K
168 grads
4yr Earnings
Sociology
$53K
134 grads
4yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
—
131 grads
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about California State University-Bakersfield
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Bakersfield?▾
How much does California State University-Bakersfield cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at California State University-Bakersfield?▾
How much do California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.