Overview
California State University-Bakersfield is a accessible public four-year institution in Bakersfield, California. The school accepts 86.6% of applicants and enrolls 8,183 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 86.6%
- Total Enrollment
- 8,183
Admission Guide
Submit your CSU application between October 1 and November 30 for fall admission, with December 15 as the final deadline for spring. You'll need your high school transcripts, SAT or ACT scores, and completion of the A-G subject requirements that all CSU campuses require.
Nursing stands out as the most competitive program at CSU Bakersfield, requiring a separate application process and higher academic standards than general admission. The program admits students once per year for fall entry, so missing the deadline means waiting another year. Engineering programs also maintain higher admission standards and may have specific prerequisite courses you need to complete.
Plan to attend SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) during summer before your first semester. This mandatory program helps you register for classes and connects you with academic advisors. Housing fills up quickly despite the campus serving many commuter students, so apply for residence halls early if you want to live on campus.
The campus operates on a quarter system rather than semesters, meaning you'll take three main academic terms per year with shorter breaks between them. This affects how quickly courses move and when you can transfer credits from other schools. Financial aid disburses according to the quarter schedule, so budget accordingly.
Location in California's Central Valley means hot summers and mild winters, but also lower living costs compared to coastal California cities. Many students work while attending school, and the career center maintains strong connections with local employers in agriculture, energy, and healthcare sectors that drive the regional economy.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $5,825/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $7,696
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $19,576
- Students Receiving Aid
- 61%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.3%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $59,009/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 79.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the application deadlines for California State University-Bakersfield?
California State University-Bakersfield uses rolling admissions for most programs, with priority deadlines typically in November for fall admission and August for spring admission. Check the specific program page as some majors like nursing may have earlier deadlines.
Does California State University-Bakersfield require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
California State University-Bakersfield is test-optional and does not require SAT or ACT scores for admission. Students can choose to submit test scores if they believe it will strengthen their application.
How do I transfer to California State University-Bakersfield from a community college?
California State University-Bakersfield accepts transfer students with at least 60 transferable semester units and a minimum 2.0 GPA. Priority is given to California community college students who complete the Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) pathway.
What GPA do I need to get into California State University-Bakersfield?
California State University-Bakersfield requires a minimum 2.0 GPA for California residents and 2.45 GPA for out-of-state students. Some competitive programs like nursing may require higher GPAs for admission.