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 gives you one of the cheapest paths to a four-year degree in the region. At a net price under $6,000 a year and median debt around $16,600, you take on less than one year's worth of the median earnings you can expect a decade out. That's a low-risk bet on paper.
Nursing is the clear financial winner here. Graduates earn over $80,000, which is more than $20,000 above the next-best program and a real premium over the school's overall median. Bakersfield sits in a healthcare and agriculture economy, so nursing and natural resources management both connect to local hiring. Computer science, economics, and engineering science all land in the high $40,000s to low $50,000s,solid, but well below what those fields often pay in bigger California metros. If you're picking one of these majors expecting Bay Area tech salaries, the local numbers won't get you there.
The main risk is finishing. Just under half of students graduate, and about one in five don't return after the first year. The low price only pays off if you leave with the degree. Drop out with debt and no credential, and the math turns against you fast.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30k, you pay about $3,070 a year. between $48k and $75k, that climbs to $6,183. above $110k, it reaches $16,810. Even the top tier stays affordable by California standards.
This school fits you if you're cost-conscious, staying in the Central Valley, and serious about finishing,especially in nursing. Look elsewhere if you want a computing or engineering degree tied to higher-paying coastal markets, or if you're at risk of not completing.
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.