About California State University-San Bernardino
Cal State San Bernardino serves as an access point to higher education in the Inland Empire, with 15,771 students on a mid-sized city campus. The university opens its doors wide, accepting 91% of applicants who apply. CSUSB has built a reputation as a regional full university that focuses on serving working-class families and first-generation college students. The campus sits in San Bernardino, positioned between Los Angeles and the desert communities to the east.
The financial picture makes this university particularly attractive to California families. Students pay an average net price of just $5,918 after aid, making it one of the most affordable options in the CSU system. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,298 per year. Graduates earn a median of $59,977 ten years after starting college, while leaving with typical debt of $14,715. The math works well for students seeking solid returns on their educational investment.
The student body reflects California's changing demographics, with 72% of students identifying as Hispanic and 61% as women. Nearly all students come from in-state, creating a strong regional identity. The Coyotes compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 219 student-athletes. About 77% of first-year students return for their second year.
The financial picture makes this university particularly attractive to California families. Students pay an average net price of just $5,918 after aid, making it one of the most affordable options in the CSU system. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $3,298 per year. Graduates earn a median of $59,977 ten years after starting college, while leaving with typical debt of $14,715. The math works well for students seeking solid returns on their educational investment.
The student body reflects California's changing demographics, with 72% of students identifying as Hispanic and 61% as women. Nearly all students come from in-state, creating a strong regional identity. The Coyotes compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports and 219 student-athletes. About 77% of first-year students return for their second year.
Academics & Faculty
Cal State San Bernardino serves as a gateway to higher education for the Inland Empire, with 91% of applicants gaining admission. The university has built its reputation around business, education, and health sciences programs that prepare students for regional workforce needs. With a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more personal attention than at larger research universities. However, academic support varies across departments, reflected in the 55% four-year graduation rate. The school excels at serving first-generation college students, with 72% Hispanic enrollment making it a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Faculty focus on practical, career-oriented education rather than theoretical research, matching the pragmatic needs of working-class students in San Bernardino County.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 19:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 45.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 54.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.7%
- Retention Rate
- 77.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,977
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $88,739 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $86,356 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,214 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $71,015 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $65,066 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $64,358 |
| Social Work. | Master | $58,503 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $58,221 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $56,867 |
Campus Life
Cal State San Bernardino sits 60 miles east of Los Angeles in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The desert climate means you'll need sunscreen year-round, with temperatures often hitting the 90s in summer and mild 60s in winter. Only about 9% of the 15,771 students live in campus housing, making this primarily a commuter school where most students drive home after classes.
The student body is 72% Hispanic, creating a strong sense of cultural community on campus. With nearly all students coming from in-state and 57% receiving Pell Grants, this is a working-class campus where many students balance jobs with coursework. Weekends often mean heading to nearby hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest or making the drive to LA for entertainment. The Coyotes compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports, though with only 219 total athletes, campus life centers more around student organizations and study groups. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely know your professors personally, especially in upper-level courses.
The student body is 72% Hispanic, creating a strong sense of cultural community on campus. With nearly all students coming from in-state and 57% receiving Pell Grants, this is a working-class campus where many students balance jobs with coursework. Weekends often mean heading to nearby hiking trails in the San Bernardino National Forest or making the drive to LA for entertainment. The Coyotes compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports, though with only 219 total athletes, campus life centers more around student organizations and study groups. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll likely know your professors personally, especially in upper-level courses.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,486 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
47 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 28°–44°F
- July Avg
- 57°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 22.4"
Student Demographics
Cal State San Bernardino serves the diverse Inland Empire with nearly three-quarters of students being Hispanic. Women outnumber men , reflecting the university's strength in education, social work, and health sciences programs. The student body draws almost entirely from California, establishing CSUSB as a regional anchor for local families. More than half receive Pell Grants, making this a key pathway for first-generation college students. The university has built its reputation as an accessible option for working-class communities in San Bernardino and Riverside counties seeking quality public education close to home.
- Men
- 38.8%
- Women
- 61.2%
- White
- 10.0%
- Black
- 5.2%
- Hispanic
- 72.3%
- Asian
- 6.1%
- In-State Students
- 99.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 57.1%
Location
San Bernardino sits 60 miles east of Los Angeles in California's Inland Empire region. The city of 215,000 residents sits at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, offering students both urban amenities and outdoor recreation. Cal State San Bernardino serves a community where 72% of students are Hispanic, reflecting the diverse demographics of the broader region. The campus houses 1,486 students in residence halls, though 99% of the student body comes from in-state. The Inland Empire has grown rapidly as a logistics and distribution center, creating job opportunities for graduates who earn a median of $59,977 ten years after graduation. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Cal State San Bernardino with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- San Bernardino, California 92407-2393
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,977
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $56,795
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $156/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $14,715
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at California State University-San Bernardino?
Cal State San Bernardino accepts 91% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students across the region. The university serves as an important pathway to higher education for first-generation college students and working adults in the Inland Empire.
How much does California State University-San Bernardino cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $5,918 annually, with 57% receiving financial aid. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $3,298 per year, reflecting the CSU system's commitment to affordability for California residents.
What is the student-faculty ratio at California State University-San Bernardino?
The university maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. Cal State San Bernardino has built a strong reputation for business, education, and public administration programs that serve the diverse communities of San Bernardino County.
What are the graduation rates at California State University-San Bernardino?
About 55% of students graduate within six years, with a 78% retention rate from first to second year. Many students work while attending school, which extends time to degree but leads to solid employment outcomes with graduates earning a median $60,000 after ten years.
Where is California State University-San Bernardino located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in San Bernardino, a mid-size city about 60 miles east of Los Angeles. With housing for only 1,486 students out of 15,771 total enrollment, most students commute from throughout the Inland Empire region.
What makes California State University-San Bernardino unique in terms of student diversity?
Hispanic students comprise 72% of the enrollment, making it one of the most Hispanic-serving universities in California. Women represent 61% of students, and nearly all students are California residents, creating a close-knit community that reflects the demographics of the Inland Empire.
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