At $5,825/yr net price, California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn $59,009/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,009/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,825 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $23,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,009/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,009/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $16,600 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,070/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,977/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $6,183/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $10,935/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,810/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
49.3% of students at California State University-Bakersfield graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
California State University-Bakersfield delivers strong financial returns for a public university, with graduates earning a median $59,009 annually while carrying just $16,600 in debt. The low net price of $5,825 per year makes this one of the most affordable pathways to a bachelor's degree in California.
Nursing programs dominate the earnings environment, with graduates consistently earning $80,000 to $111,000 annually. Business administration also pays off well at $71,015, while education majors can expect around $68,000. These salaries align well with Bakersfield's lower cost of living and the region's healthcare and energy sector job market.
The main financial risk lies in the 49% graduation rate. Nearly half of students who start at CSU-Bakersfield never finish, meaning they accumulate debt without the degree needed to access higher-paying careers. The 80% first-year retention rate suggests most academic struggles emerge later in the program.
This school works best financially if you're committed to nursing, business, or education and can realistically complete your degree. The combination of low costs and strong regional job placement makes it particularly attractive for Central Valley residents who want to stay local. Students seeking strong national recognition or those unsure about finishing college should consider other options.
With 61% of students receiving financial aid, most families qualify for additional support beyond the already low sticker price. The key is choosing a high-return major and staying enrolled through graduation to capture the full value of your investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California State University-Bakersfield worth the cost?
CSU Bakersfield offers solid value with a low net price of $5,825 per year and modest debt levels around $16,600. However, the 49% graduation rate means about half of students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the best paying majors at California State University-Bakersfield?
Nursing programs at CSU Bakersfield lead to strong earnings, with graduates earning $80,000-$111,000 annually. Business administration graduates earn around $71,000, while education majors typically earn $68,000.
How much debt do California State University-Bakersfield graduates have?
CSU Bakersfield graduates carry a median debt of $16,600, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low annual net price of $5,825 helps keep borrowing minimal for most students.
Does California State University-Bakersfield have good job outcomes?
CSU Bakersfield graduates earn a median of $59,009 ten years after graduation, which is reasonable for the Central Valley region. Nursing and business majors see significantly higher earnings, while other programs may struggle to justify costs despite the affordable tuition.