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California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA·Private for-profit·383 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. freshman retention is below 65%; for-profit institutions have higher scrutiny — research carefully. a private for-profit school with 383 students.

N/A
Accept
383
Students
$38,205
Net Price
42%
Grad Rate
$33,400
Earnings
10 yr
$13,354
Debt

About This School

California Aeronautical University is a private for-profit institution located in Bakersfield, California with approximately 383 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $38,205 per year. The graduation rate is 42%, and the typical graduate earns $33,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 42% graduation rate and 62% freshman retention rate suggest that most students who start don't finish, which is a serious red flag worth digging into before committing. The debt load at graduation is relatively modest at $13,354, but median earnings of $33,400 a decade out make the $38,205 annual net price hard to justify unless you have a very clear path to a specific aviation career that this school uniquely supports. Worth considering only if you've confirmed strong job placement data directly from the school and have a concrete plan — the general outcomes here don't inspire confidence on their own.

Setting
Large suburb

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$35,465
Out-of-State Tuition
$35,465
Avg Net Price
$38,205
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants50%
Median debt at graduation$13,354

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
42%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
62%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,354
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,354
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$24,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$33,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White40%
Black7%
Hispanic/Latino38%
Asian9%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (383 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

California Aeronautical University

1450 Boughton Drive

Bakersfield, CA 93308

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

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.

Important Caveats
  • 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.
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