About Bakersfield College
Students pay an average net price of $4,751 after financial aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $1,430. Graduates earn a median of $37,291 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on a modest investment. Monthly loan payments average only $88 for those who borrow. The school keeps costs especially low for working families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $4,126 net.
The Renegades field 21 varsity sports with 409 student-athletes competing as independents. Classes average 32 students per faculty member, typical for a large community college. Nearly 89% of graduates find employment, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation. The campus serves students who are 100% California residents, staying true to its community college mission of serving local needs.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 32:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.5%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 22.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.6%
- Retention Rate
- 0.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,291
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $74,200 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $21,964 |
Campus Life
With 100% in-state enrollment and 65% Hispanic students, BC reflects the agricultural community it serves. Students often balance work with classes since 88.6% find employment after completing programs. The Renegades compete in 21 varsity sports with 409 total athletes, though without athletic scholarships. Weekend activities center around the surrounding Kern County area, with many students working part-time jobs or spending time with family. The semester system allows flexibility for working students. Monthly loan payments average just $88, making BC an affordable stepping stone. Most students commute from the local area rather than living on campus, creating a practical, career-focused atmosphere rather than a traditional college social scene.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1913
Campus Safety (2023)
38 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 25 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 38°–58°F
- July Avg
- 70°–97°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 6.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.9%
- Women
- 55.1%
- White
- 21.0%
- Black
- 5.5%
- Hispanic
- 65.1%
- Asian
- 3.8%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.8%
Location
- Address
- Bakersfield, California 93305-1299
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $37,291
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $50,635
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 28.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $88/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $8,312
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for Bakersfield College?
Bakersfield College maintains an open enrollment policy typical of California community colleges, meaning all students with a high school diploma or equivalent can enroll. The college serves over 16,000 students and focuses on providing accessible higher education to the Central Valley community. This open-door approach makes BC a popular starting point for students planning to transfer to four-year universities.
How much does Bakersfield College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $4,751 after financial aid, with in-state tuition set at just $1,430 per year. Nearly 29% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working-class families in the agricultural Central Valley. Low-income students earning under $30,000 annually pay only $4,126 net, making BC one of California's most affordable college options.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bakersfield College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 32:1, which is typical for large community colleges but means students need to be proactive about getting faculty attention. BC operates on a semester system and offers comprehensive academic support services. The college is known for its strong career technical education programs that prepare students for Central Valley industries like agriculture, energy, and healthcare.
What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Bakersfield College?
The six-year graduation rate is 23%, while employment rates reach 89% for graduates who enter the workforce. Median earnings hit $37,291 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the college's focus on practical career preparation. Many students transfer to Cal State Bakersfield or other four-year institutions rather than completing degrees at BC.
Where is Bakersfield College located and what is campus life like?
The main campus sits in Bakersfield, a large Central Valley city known for agriculture and oil production. With 409 student athletes competing in 21 varsity sports as the Renegades, BC maintains an active athletic program despite offering no athletic scholarships. The student body is 65% Hispanic and entirely in-state, creating a close-knit community atmosphere that reflects the local demographics.
Does Bakersfield College offer good value for career preparation?
BC provides exceptional value with median student debt of only $8,312 and monthly loan payments averaging $88. The college has built strong partnerships with local employers in agriculture, healthcare, and energy sectors that dominate the Central Valley economy. Founded in 1913, BC has over a century of experience preparing students for both immediate employment and transfer to four-year universities.
