Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.3%
- Retention Rate
- 79.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $59,009
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $16,600
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 55.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $176/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $50,856 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $49,683 | |
| Engineering Science. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $45,600 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,528 |
Outcomes Overview
CSU Bakersfield graduates earn a median of $59,009 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 28% with median debt at $16,600. Monthly loan payments of $176 represent about 3.6% of typical graduate income. The 93.6% employment rate reflects strong regional demand for graduates in education, business, and healthcare sectors that serve the Central Valley. Many alumni find work as teachers, nurses, and business professionals in Kern County and surrounding agricultural communities. The low debt burden combined with solid regional employment opportunities makes this a strong return on investment, especially for first-generation college students who comprise much of the student body.