Bakersfield College combines exceptional affordability with strong mobility outcomes for diverse student populations. As an Under-Resourced institution, the college delivers meaningful access with minimal debt burden, creating pathways to economic advancement while serving 63.1% first-generation students and maintaining excellent cost-effectiveness.
More modest earnings outcomes relative to educational investment
With exceptional performance, driven by low net costs and minimal debt levels
Well above average enrollment of diverse student populations
With excellent outcomes, reflecting the institution's effectiveness in serving low-income and first-generation students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisBakersfield College delivers exceptional affordability with net prices averaging $4,751 annually, ranking among the highest we track at the 97.6th percentile for cost-effectiveness. Student debt remains exceptionally low at $8,312 median, compared to a peer median of $19,500, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22.
While median earnings reach $37,291 ten years after enrollment, below peer institutions at $57,624, the combination of minimal debt and accessible education creates unique value. Low-income graduates earn $34,300, reflecting the institution's role in serving economically diverse populations.
Students seeking affordable education with strong access at a large community college. Well-suited for first-generation students (63.1%) and transfer students (80.7%) who prioritize low-cost education and accessible entry.
Bakersfield College's Under-Resourced designation reflects an institution serving diverse populations while working within financial constraints to support student success.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Bakersfield College hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/bakersfield-college/analysis.
Exceptional affordability with low debt
Bakersfield College ranks #274 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with overall performance at the 86th percentile, placing it well above average among four-year institutions. Located in Bakersfield, California, this large public institution operates with an open-access mission, enrolling 28.8% Pell-eligible students and 63.1% first-generation students.
The institution serves 80.7% transfer students, indicating a strong role as a pathway for students continuing their education. Bakersfield College demonstrates exceptional affordability performance at the 97.6th percentile nationally, while maintaining excellent mobility outcomes at the 90.3rd percentile.
The Under-Resourced classification reflects an institution that serves diverse student populations while facing resource constraints, yet still delivers meaningful educational access and economic mobility opportunities for graduates.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Bakersfield College graduates show steady earnings growth from $29,867 six years after enrollment to $37,291 at ten years, representing 24.9% growth over the period. These outcomes reflect a substantial ten-year cohort of 5,499 graduates, providing confidence in reported figures.
Earnings range from $18,322 at the 25th percentile to $59,738 at the 75th percentile, showing meaningful variation in post-graduation outcomes. The earnings performance sits below peer institutions, with graduates earning $20,333 less than the peer median of $57,624.
However, earnings beyond expectations measure around the national average at the 47th percentile, indicating performance aligns with institutional mission and student characteristics. Low-income graduates earn $34,300, reflecting outcomes for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The institution produces graduates with minimal debt burden, creating conditions for financial stability despite more moderate earnings levels compared to four-year peers.
Bakersfield College does not have sufficient federal earnings data available for individual program rankings in this analysis. As a community college, the institution offers numerous programs leading to certificates, associate degrees, and transfer preparation, but federal College Scorecard data focuses on bachelor's degree completers.
The broad student composition suggests diverse academic interests, with 80.7% transfer students indicating many students continue to four-year institutions to complete bachelor's degrees. The institution's role as a transfer pathway means program outcomes may be better measured at the four-year institutions where students complete degrees rather than at the community college level.
