California State University-Bakersfield
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker; 61% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.
About This School
California State University-Bakersfield is a public institution located in Bakersfield, California with approximately 8,577 undergraduate students enrolled. California State University-Bakersfield has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $5,652 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $50,100 within 10 years of enrollment.
California State University, Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, California. It was established in 1965 as Kern State College and officially in 1968 as California State College Bakersfield on a 375-acre (152 ha) campus, becoming the 20th school in the California State University system. The university offers 39 different bachelor's degree programs, 17 master's degree programs, and a doctoral program in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.).
The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $5,825/year after aid and a median debt of only $11,270 at graduation, this is one of the most affordable four-year university options you'll find in California. However, the 49% graduation rate is a real concern — only about half of students who start here finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. If you're cost-conscious, place-bound to the Bakersfield area, or want a small campus feel (just over 8,000 undergrads) with a manageable financial commitment, this can work — but come in with a clear plan and strong support system to beat those odds.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 16% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
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 (8,577 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Address
California State University-Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Hwy
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099
Official Links
Other Schools in California
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA · Public
California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public
University of California-San Diego
La Jolla, CA · Public
University of California-Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA · Public
University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, 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.
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