California Aeronautical University: $35,465 Tuition

$35,465Tuition

383Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$38,361Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About California Aeronautical University

California Aeronautical University specializes in training the next generation of aviation professionals in Bakersfield's aerospace corridor. With just 383 students enrolled, this small specialized institution focuses exclusively on aviation and aerospace education programs. The quarter system allows students to complete hands-on training in aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and aerospace technology. Nearly 90% of students are male, reflecting the traditional demographics of the aviation industry.

Students pay an average net price of $38,205 annually, with tuition set at $35,465 regardless of residency status. Graduates earn a median salary of $38,361 ten years after graduation, though early career earnings start lower at $37,652 one year post-graduation. With median debt loads of $30,705 and monthly loan payments averaging $326, the financial burden is significant for entry-level aviation wages. Only about half of students receive financial aid, and just 7% get institutional grants averaging $8,224.

The school's 37.7% four-year graduation rate and 62% retention rate suggest students face academic challenges in the rigorous technical programs. However, the 94.7% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement in the aviation industry. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention crucial for mastering complex aviation systems and regulations.

Academics & Faculty

California Aeronautical University specializes entirely in aviation and aerospace education, making it one of the few dedicated flight schools in the country. Students pursue degrees in professional pilot training, aviation business, and aircraft maintenance. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means personalized instruction in both classroom theory and hands-on flight training. However, only 38% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the demanding nature of aviation coursework and flight hour requirements. The school's quarter system allows for accelerated progress through technical programs. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment, typically with regional airlines, charter companies, or aerospace manufacturers. The curriculum emphasizes Federal Aviation Administration certification alongside degree completion.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 37.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 41.9%
Retention Rate: 62.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,361

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Campus Life

The dusty Central Valley heat means sunscreen is essential at this specialized aviation school. With only 221 housing spots for 383 students, fewer than 60% can live on campus in Bakersfield's sprawling suburban setting. The nearest major city is Los Angeles, about two hours south through agricultural flatlands.

Campus life revolves around flight training and aircraft maintenance programs. Men make up 89% of the student body, creating a distinctly technical atmosphere focused on aerospace careers. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio allows for hands-on instruction in hangars and workshops. Weekends often involve study groups preparing for FAA certification exams or trips to nearby Meadows Field Airport for flight training.

The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly. With 100% of students from California and a 62% retention rate, many find the intensive aviation focus either perfectly suited to their goals or too narrow. The 94.7% employment rate reflects strong industry connections, though the $326 monthly loan payments can be substantial given median earnings of $38,361 ten years out.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 221 beds
Calendar System: Quarter

Campus Safety (2023)

2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 39°–56°F
July Avg: 70°–97°F
Annual Precipitation: -63.3"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

California Aeronautical University draws nearly 90% men, reflecting aviation's male-dominated workforce. The student body of 383 is entirely from California, suggesting strong regional connections to aerospace employers. About half receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves working-class families seeking technical careers. The demographic mix includes 40% white students, 38% Hispanic, and 9% Asian students, mirroring Bakersfield's diverse population. These students typically come from families where aviation represents a pathway to stable middle-class careers in California's aerospace industry.

Men: 89.0%
Women: 11.0%
White: 40.2%
Black: 6.8%
Hispanic: 37.9%
Asian: 9.1%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 49.9%

Location

California Aeronautical University sits in Bakersfield, a city of 380,000 people in California's Central Valley. The campus is about 110 miles north of Los Angeles and 280 miles southeast of San Francisco. Bakersfield serves as the economic center for Kern County's oil and agriculture industries. The city experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. Students will find a working-class community rather than a traditional college town atmosphere. The nearby Tehachapi Mountains offer outdoor recreation opportunities about 40 miles east. With 100% of students coming from in-state, the university draws primarily from California's aviation enthusiasts. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California Aeronautical University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bakersfield, California 93308

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $38,361
Median Earnings (5 years): $45,067
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 32.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $326/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $30,705

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student body composition at California Aeronautical University?

The university enrolls 383 students with a heavily male-dominated population at 89% men and 11% women. This gender split reflects the aviation industry's traditional demographics, with students representing diverse backgrounds including 40% White, 38% Hispanic, and 9% Asian students.

How much does California Aeronautical University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $38,205 annually, with total attendance costs reaching $43,615 including room and board. Nearly 50% of students receive financial aid, though only 7% receive institutional grants averaging $8,224, making this specialized aviation education a significant investment.

What are the class sizes like at California Aeronautical University?

The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized instruction in technical aviation programs. This focused approach serves students well in hands-on training for aircraft maintenance, flight operations, and aerospace technology fields.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at California Aeronautical University?

The university achieves a 42% six-year graduation rate with graduates earning a median salary of $38,361 ten years after enrollment. Despite the modest graduation rate, 95% of graduates find employment, reflecting strong demand for trained aviation professionals in California's aerospace industry.

Where do students live at California Aeronautical University?

The campus houses 221 students in on-campus facilities with room and board costing $8,150 annually. All enrolled students come from California, creating a tight-knit community focused on aviation careers in the state's extensive aerospace sector.

How do student loans work at California Aeronautical University?

About 66% of students take federal loans, graduating with a median debt of $30,705 and monthly payments of $326. The loan repayment rate stands at just 33%, reflecting the specialized nature of aviation careers where entry-level positions may not immediately support high debt loads.