California State University-Bakersfield

86.6%Acceptance

$7,696Tuition

8,183Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,009Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About California State University-Bakersfield

California State University-Bakersfield serves as the Central Valley's primary gateway to higher education, with 8,183 students pursuing degrees in a region known for agriculture and energy production. The university has built a strong reputation for its business, education, and nursing programs that directly feed into local workforce needs. Nearly 99% of students come from California, reflecting the school's deep community ties. The 86% acceptance rate makes it accessible to students seeking quality education without the intense competition of more selective institutions.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for working families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $3,070 annually after aid, while the average net price across all income levels sits at $5,825. Graduates typically leave with $16,600 in debt and earn a median salary of $59,009 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average $176, making the financial burden manageable relative to earning potential. Over 61% of students receive Pell Grants, highlighting the university's role in serving first-generation college students.

The student body reflects the Central Valley's demographics, with 69% Hispanic enrollment making it a Hispanic-serving institution. Women outnumber men nearly two to one at 65%. The Roadrunners compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 14 sports programs supported by over $3.6 million in athletic scholarships.

Academics & Faculty

CSU Bakersfield serves as an academic anchor for California's Central Valley with strong programs in business, education, and nursing that directly feed the region's workforce needs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 49.3% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many first-generation college students face here. Nearly 69% of students are Hispanic, making this one of the most diverse campuses in the Cal State system. The university has built a reputation for practical, career-focused education rather than research prestige. Students often work while enrolled, which explains the extended graduation timeline but also the strong employment rate of 93.6% after graduation.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 53.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 49.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.3%
Retention Rate: 79.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,009
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$111,769
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Certificate	$90,856
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$80,521
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$71,015
Education, General.	Master	$67,995
Social Work.	Master	$58,943
Natural Resources Management and Policy.	Bachelor	$58,673
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.	Master	$54,359
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$53,608
Public Administration.	Master	$52,941

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

Nearly 70% of students are Hispanic, making this one of the most diverse campuses in the California State system. The campus sits in California's Central Valley, about 110 miles north of Los Angeles and 280 miles southeast of San Francisco. You'll need sunscreen more than a winter coat - Bakersfield averages over 280 sunny days per year with summer temperatures regularly hitting 100+ degrees.

Only about 6% of the 8,183 students live on campus since housing capacity maxes out at 500 beds. The vast majority commute from throughout Kern County, creating a campus that empties on weekends. Students often head to nearby recreation areas like Lake Isabella or the Kern River for outdoor activities. The agricultural setting means many students have ties to farming and oil industry families. With 98% of students from California, the Roadrunners athletic programs draw local support, especially basketball games in the Icardo Center. The campus culture reflects its working-class roots, with many students balancing jobs alongside their studies in the university's well-regarded business and education programs.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 500 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Motor Vehicle Theft	4	0
Domestic Violence	2	1
Rape	1	1
Burglary	1	0
Dating Violence	1	0
Fondling	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 38°–58°F
July Avg: 70°–97°F
Annual Precipitation: 6.7"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

Cal State Bakersfield draws almost entirely from California, reflecting its role as a regional university serving the Central Valley. Nearly two-thirds of students are women, which aligns with the school's strong programs in education and nursing, fields that traditionally attract more female students. The student body is predominantly Hispanic, mirroring the demographics of Bakersfield and surrounding agricultural communities. With 61% of students receiving Pell Grants, the university fulfills its mission as an accessible pathway to higher education for working-class families in one of California's most economically challenged regions.

Men: 34.7%
Women: 65.3%
White: 12.4%
Black: 4.2%
Hispanic: 68.8%
Asian: 6.9%
In-State Students: 98.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 61.2%

Location

California State University-Bakersfield sits in California's Central Valley, about 110 miles north of Los Angeles. The city of Bakersfield has a population of around 380,000, making it the ninth-largest city in California. This oil and agriculture center offers an affordable cost of living compared to coastal California cities. Nearly all students come from in-state, with 98.31% being California residents. The campus serves as an educational anchor in Kern County, where the economy revolves around energy production and farming. The surrounding Central Valley stretches for miles with flat agricultural land and distant mountain views. Students considering colleges in California may also compare California State University-Bakersfield with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bakersfield, California 93311-1099

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,009
Median Earnings (5 years): $61,597
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $39,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $176/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at California State University-Bakersfield?

Cal State Bakersfield accepts 86.55% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The university serves as a regional comprehensive institution focused on educating students from the Central Valley. Nearly all students (98.31%) come from California.

How much does California State University-Bakersfield cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,825 annually, lower than the sticker price. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,070 per year. About 61.20% of students receive financial aid, with graduates leaving with a median debt of only $16,600.

What academic programs is California State University-Bakersfield known for?

The university offers strong programs in business, education, and nursing that directly serve Central Valley workforce needs. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors. The school focuses on practical career preparation for the region's agricultural and energy industries.

What are the graduation rates at California State University-Bakersfield?

About 49.30% of students graduate within six years, which reflects the school's mission of serving first-generation and working students. Many students attend part-time while working or supporting families. Graduates earn a median salary of $59,009 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns for the region.

Does California State University-Bakersfield have on-campus housing?

The university houses only 500 students on campus, serving just a fraction of the 8,183 total enrollment. Most students commute from the Bakersfield area, creating a largely commuter campus culture. Room and board costs $14,430 for those who do live on campus.

What sports does California State University-Bakersfield compete in?

The Roadrunners compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big West Conference across 14 varsity sports. The athletic program supports 300 student-athletes with $3.6 million in scholarships. The teams represent one of the newer additions to Division I athletics in California.