Students at California State University-Bakersfield benefit from exceptional affordability combined with strong upward mobility outcomes that place the university among the top performers nationally.
The combination of very low net prices and meaningful earnings gains makes CSUB particularly effective at helping first-generation and low-income students achieve economic advancement.
California State University-Bakersfield ranks among the top public universities nationwide for combining broad access with strong economic mobility outcomes. As a designated "Mobility Engine," CSUB serves a student body where 61% receive Pell Grants and 58% are first-generation college students, yet still delivers earnings that place graduates in the 59th percentile nationally. This combination of accessibility and results reflects the university's core mission as a regional comprehensive institution.
What makes CSUB distinctive is its exceptional affordability paired with meaningful upward mobility. Low-income students pay just $3,070 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $6,183—among the lowest prices in California higher education. Despite these modest costs, graduates earn a median of $59,009 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes for students from low-income backgrounds who achieve median earnings of $49,000.
Located in California's Central Valley, CSUB functions as an anchor institution for the region's growing economy. The university's practical, career-focused programs in nursing, business, education, and public administration align closely with local workforce needs while providing pathways to broader California opportunities. For many students, CSUB represents an accessible entry point into California's middle class, combining the affordability of a regional public university with outcomes that support long-term financial stability.
California State University-Bakersfield's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional comprehensive university serving diverse career pathways. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program (373 graduates) and highest aggregate return major, combining substantial enrollment with solid early-career earnings around $36,528. This program serves as an economic engine for the university, preparing students for management roles throughout California's Central Valley business community.
Nursing represents CSUB's highest-earning program, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $80,521 early in their careers—a reflection of California's strong demand for healthcare professionals and competitive nursing salaries. While nursing enrolls fewer students (102 graduates), it demonstrates the university's ability to prepare students for high-demand, well-compensated professional roles that provide clear pathways to middle-class stability.
General Studies, the university's second-largest program with 265 graduates, reflects CSUB's role in providing flexible degree pathways for non-traditional students, though earnings outcomes are more modest at $20,596. Exercise Science and Kinesiology, while showing lower early earnings around $20,748, often leads to graduate school or careers in education and health promotion. This program mix—combining high-return professional programs with broader access pathways—reflects CSUB's comprehensive mission of serving students with varying academic and career goals.
California State University-Bakersfield graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations for the institution's profile. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $59,009, placing CSUB in the 59th percentile nationally among public universities. More importantly, graduates earn about $12,289 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value beyond what students might achieve elsewhere.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly, reflecting CSUB's diverse academic portfolio. Adult Health Nursing leads in early-career earnings at $80,521, followed by Business Administration and Management, which combines strong enrollment (373 graduates) with solid pay around $36,528. General Studies, the university's second-largest program with 265 graduates, produces more modest earnings around $20,596, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology graduates start near $20,748. This range reflects CSUB's mission as a comprehensive regional university serving students across multiple career pathways.
The university's strength lies in practical, professionally-oriented programs that connect directly to regional employment opportunities. Business and health programs form the core of CSUB's highest-return offerings, while education and social service programs provide stable, if more modest, career paths. For graduates planning to remain in California's Central Valley, these earnings provide solid purchasing power in a region where housing and living costs remain below state averages.
California State University-Bakersfield stands out as one of the most affordable public universities in California. Low-income students pay just $3,070 annually after aid, placing CSUB in the 96th percentile nationally for affordability—meaning it costs less than nearly all comparable institutions. Middle-income families see net prices around $6,183, while even higher-income families pay $16,810, well below typical costs at most four-year public universities.
Debt levels remain manageable for most CSUB students. Typical graduates leave with $16,600 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,000, reflecting the fact that many families can cover most costs through grants, work, and modest family contributions rather than heavy borrowing. The combination of low sticker prices and substantial need-based aid means most students can complete their degrees without taking on debt loads that would strain their post-graduation budgets.
CSUB's affordability model works particularly well for the students it serves. With 61% of undergraduates receiving Pell Grants, the university's pricing structure recognizes that most families have limited resources for college expenses. The low net prices, combined with graduates' solid earning potential, create a sustainable financial pathway that allows students to invest in their education without compromising their long-term financial security.
California State University-Bakersfield Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
