Bakersfield College
A good fit for families who need the lowest possible cost and students who want a large campus community. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; fewer than half of freshmen return for sophomore year. a public school with 16,451 students.
About This School
Bakersfield College is a public institution located in Bakersfield, California with approximately 16,451 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $4,751 per year. The graduation rate is 23%, and the typical graduate earns $36,000 within 10 years of enrollment.
Bakersfield College (BC) is a public community college in Bakersfield, California, United States. BC serves about 31,000 students each semester or 46,500 annually, and offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and is one of fifteen California Community Colleges offering a baccalaureate degree. It is part of the Kern Community College District (KCCD), which is itself part of the California Community Colleges system.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $4,751/year after aid and a median debt of only $9,500, this is one of the most affordable paths to a degree or certificate in California, making it a genuinely smart choice for cost-conscious students, especially those planning to transfer to a four-year school. However, the 23% graduation rate is a real concern — it suggests many students struggle to finish, so you'll want to be honest with yourself about whether you have the support systems and self-discipline to stay on track. If you have a clear plan, a specific transfer goal, or a career-focused certificate in mind, this school can deliver solid value; if you're undecided and easily discouraged, the environment here may not provide enough structure to keep you moving forward.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Will This School Pay Off?
Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (16,451 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in California
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.