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California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA·Public·15,771 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families who need the lowest possible cost. no major red flags in the data. 57% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

98%
Accept
15,771
Students
$5,918
Net Price
55%
Grad Rate
$48,800
Earnings
10 yr
$12,445
Debt

About This School

California State University-San Bernardino is a public institution located in San Bernardino, California with approximately 15,771 undergraduate students enrolled. California State University-San Bernardino has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 98%. The average net price after financial aid is $5,918 per year. The graduation rate is 55%, and the typical graduate earns $48,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

California State University, San Bernardino is a public research university in San Bernardino, California, United States. Founded in 1965, it is part of the California State University system. The main campus sits on 441 acres (178 ha) in the University District of San Bernardino, with a branch campus of 40 acres (16 ha) in Palm Desert, California, opened in 1986. Cal State San Bernardino's fall 2020 enrollment was 19,404. In fall 2019, it had 505 full-time faculty, of which 385 were on the tenure track.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $5,918/year net price and only $12,445 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the most affordable paths to a bachelor's degree in California, making it a genuinely smart financial choice for cost-conscious students. However, the 55% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly half of students who start here don't finish — so you'll want to think honestly about your academic support systems and commitment before enrolling. Worth considering if you're budget-focused and disciplined, but go in with eyes open about the completion challenge.

Founded
1965
Setting
Midsize city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Psychology13%
Social Sciences10%
Health Professions7%
Computer Science6%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Communications4%
Biological Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Frank ZanePaul CookDavid Mendenhall

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$7,675
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,555
Avg Net Price
$5,918
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants57%
Median debt at graduation$12,445

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
55%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,445
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,445
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.9x

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

White10%
Black5%
Hispanic/Latino72%
Asian6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (15,771 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

California State University-San Bernardino

5500 University Parkway

San Bernardino, CA 92407-2393

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.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

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.
Trademarks

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