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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $19,522 |
| Tuition and Fees | $20,690 |
| Room and Board | $15,076 |
| Books and Supplies | $954 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,870 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $5,652 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $3,536 |
| $30–48k | $3,817 |
| $48–75k | $5,835 |
| $75–110k | $9,480 |
| $110k+ | $16,069 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student debt levels at CSU Bakersfield remain exceptionally manageable, with median debt of $16,600 ranking in the 83rd percentile nationally for low debt levels. The debt range spans from $4,500 at the 25th percentile to $20,835 at the 75th percentile, indicating that most students graduate with modest borrowing levels.
Compared to the peer median of $21,105, CSU Bakersfield students borrow $4,505 less on average, reflecting both the university's low net prices and effective financial aid packaging. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 indicates strong affordability, with typical graduates able to manage loan payments comfortably given their $59,009 median earnings.
Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $12,000 with monthly payments of $158, representing additional family borrowing that remains within reasonable bounds. The combination of low student debt and controlled parent borrowing supports long-term financial stability for graduates and their families.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
CSU Bakersfield delivers exceptional return on educational investment, combining low debt levels with earnings that exceed expectations by $12,288. This earnings premium, ranking in the 88.3rd percentile nationally, demonstrates the university's effectiveness in generating economic value for students from diverse backgrounds.
The median debt of $16,600 paired with median earnings of $59,009 creates favorable conditions for loan repayment and long-term financial stability. Graduates earn $8,893 more annually than peers from similar institutions while borrowing $4,505 less, creating a double advantage in return on investment.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28 falls well below concerning levels, indicating that most graduates can manage loan payments while building wealth. These investment characteristics support CSU Bakersfield's classification as an excellent-performing institution on both affordability and mobility measures, making it particularly valuable for students seeking economic advancement through higher education.
CSU Bakersfield's financial aid profile reflects its mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds, with 61.2% of students receiving Pell grants compared to national averages around 35%. The substantial gap between sticker price ($18,815) and net price ($5,825) indicates robust financial aid packaging that combines federal Pell grants, state Cal Grants, and institutional assistance.
The concentration of aid toward lower-income students creates net prices below $4,000 for families earning under $48,000 annually. This aid structure supports the university's 58.2% first-generation student population, many of whom require comprehensive financial support to access higher education.
The financial aid office's experience with serving Pell-eligible populations means that packaging typically maximizes available grant aid before incorporating loans, helping to minimize debt burdens for students who graduate.
