California State University-Bakersfield prices its degrees accessibly across the income spectrum. Low-income families pay approximately $3,536 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $5,835, and higher-income families pay correspondingly more at roughly $16,069.
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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 prices its degrees accessibly across the income spectrum. Low-income families pay approximately $3,536 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $5,835, and higher-income families pay correspondingly more at roughly $16,069. Azimuth ranks California State University-Bakersfield #49 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The university's public-tuition structure and broad financial-aid reach keep net prices well below the published cost of attendance of $19,522 for most families. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Need-based aid plays a central role in how California State University-Bakersfield prices for lower- and middle-income students. The university participates in federal Pell Grant programs, state Cal Grant funding, and institutional aid, and the combination meaningfully closes the gap between sticker price and what most families actually pay. Families weighing the — the difference between published costs and actual out-of-pocket expenses — will generally find that CSUB's net prices reflect a more accessible reality than the headline figure suggests. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $16,600, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $9,000; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $59,109, median federal debt of $16,600 projects to a monthly payment of about $188 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of California State University-Bakersfield earn median 4-year earnings of $59,109, placing California State University-Bakersfield in the 39.2 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $13,422 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 90.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks California State University-Bakersfield #650 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Business Administration, Management and Operations reports 351 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $61,705, ranked #180 nationally in its major. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities reports 312 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $57,529, ranked #29 nationally in its major. Psychology, General reports 294 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $49,207, ranked #168 nationally in its major. Criminal Justice and Corrections reports 170 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $53,715, ranked #97 nationally in its major.
