CSU Bakersfield combines open-access admission with exceptional economic mobility outcomes. Serving 61.2% Pell-eligible students, the university delivers earnings beyond expectations while maintaining one of the lowest debt levels among public institutions, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates from diverse economic backgrounds.
Above-average long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Low net prices and controlled debt levels relative to peers
The university's exceptional ability to convert access into earnings growth for its diverse student population
The university's exceptional ability to convert access into earnings growth for its diverse student population
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisMobility Engine: exceptional access with strong outcomes
California State University-Bakersfield ranks #81 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 94.3rd percentile. Located in Bakersfield, California, this medium-sized public university maintains open access with an 88.2% acceptance rate while delivering exceptional affordability and economic mobility outcomes.
CSU Bakersfield enrolls 61.2% Pell-eligible students and 58.2% first-generation students, significantly exceeding typical public university access levels. The institution combines accessible admission standards with outcomes that place it firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where universities convert educational opportunity into sustained economic advancement.
Graduates earn $12,288 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 88.3rd percentile nationally. This performance demonstrates the university's effectiveness in serving diverse student populations while maintaining strong post-graduation outcomes across its 18 degree programs with federal earnings data.
CSU Bakersfield delivers strong return on investment through controlled costs and earnings that exceed expectations. Graduates earn a median of $59,009 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 69th percentile nationally and representing $8,893 more than the peer median of $50,116.
The institution generates $12,288 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it in the 88.3rd percentile nationally on this measure. Low-income graduates earn $49,000, demonstrating strong outcomes for students from lower-income backgrounds who comprise the majority of enrollment.
Students seeking affordable education with strong economic mobility outcomes, particularly first-generation and Pell-eligible students. Well-suited for those prioritizing accessible admission (88.2% acceptance rate) while achieving earnings beyond expectations.
The university's Mobility Engine designation reflects exceptional outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds pursuing business, nursing, criminal justice, and liberal arts programs.
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.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the California State University-Bakersfield hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/california-state-university-bakersfield/analysis.
California State University-Bakersfield maintains open access with an 88.2% admission rate, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places CSU Bakersfield in the Open Access tier, with admission standards significantly more accessible than typical four-year institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that CSU Bakersfield admits slightly more applicants than similar public universities, reflecting its commitment to broad educational access. The university's open-access approach aligns with its mission to serve first-generation and transfer students, who comprise 58.2% and 46.3% of enrollment respectively.
This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though completion of prerequisite coursework and minimum GPA requirements still apply. Students should focus on academic preparation rather than admission strategy, as CSU Bakersfield prioritizes student readiness for success over selective admission.
The university's open-access philosophy creates opportunities for students who might face barriers at more selective institutions while maintaining academic standards that support degree completion.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Houston-Downtown Similar quality tier (#82 ranked) | TX | 91% | $53,551 | #82 | Compare |
Farmingdale State College Similar quality tier (#83 ranked) | NY | 69% | $69,781 | #83 | Compare |
Cuny New York City College Of Technology Similar quality tier (#79 ranked) | NY | 81% | $49,365 | #79 | Compare |
Texas A & M International University Similar quality tier (#85 ranked) | TX | 46% | $48,386 | #85 | Compare |
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Similar quality tier (#75 ranked) | NC | 19% | $72,200 | #75 | Compare |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
102 graduates
Engineering Science.
33 graduates
Computer Science.
61 graduates
Bioenergy.
11 graduates
Algebra and Number Theory.
22 graduates
CSU Bakersfield offers 18 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. General Studies ranks #4 nationally and #1 in California, producing 265 graduates with median earnings of $52,770 and an exceptional value score of 98.3.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #30 nationally and #16 in California, graduating 102 students with median earnings of $99,938 and a strong value score of 89.4. Corrections Administration ranks #27 nationally and #7 in California, graduating 159 students with median earnings of $50,722.
Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 373 students annually with median earnings of $50,448. English Language and Literature ranks #20 nationally and #5 in California, demonstrating strong outcomes in humanities fields with median earnings of $52,346 and a value score of 93.4.
These programs reflect the university's strength in serving diverse student career interests while maintaining competitive national rankings.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
California State University-Bakersfield demonstrates exceptional affordability among four-year institutions, with a published cost of attendance of $18,815 per year. This total includes $7,696 in-state tuition, $14,430 for room and board, and $1,068 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays just $5,825 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,990 through institutional and federal assistance programs. The net price stands $8,268 below the peer median of $14,093, creating substantial cost advantages for students and families.
Out-of-state students face higher tuition of $19,576, though financial aid can significantly reduce actual costs. The university's low net price reflects both California's investment in public higher education and the institution's commitment to serving students from lower-income backgrounds.
With 61.2% of students receiving Pell grants, the financial aid office has extensive experience in packaging federal, state, and institutional aid to minimize student costs. This affordability structure supports the university's role as a Mobility Engine institution, ensuring that cost does not present a barrier to degree completion for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
CSU Bakersfield graduates demonstrate consistent earnings growth over time, with outcomes reflecting the university's diverse program portfolio. Median earnings rise from $44,282 six years after enrollment to $51,171 at eight years and $59,009 at ten years, representing 33.3% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 2,577 to 2,832 graduates across different time horizons, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $12,288 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing CSU Bakersfield in the 88.3rd percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $49,000, demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for its substantial Pell-eligible population. Earnings span from $34,128 at the 25th percentile to $84,724 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory across business, health, and liberal arts fields.
Approximately 23.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
