California State University-San Bernardino

California State University-San Bernardino admits 98.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 49 out of 50 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places Cal State San Bernardino in the Open Access category, with significantly higher acceptance rates than typical four-year institutions.

The peer median admission rate of 78.1% highlights that Cal State San Bernardino is substantially more accessible than comparable public universities, accepting 20.2 percentage points more applicants than its peer group. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, with the university prioritizing broad educational access over selectivity.

Students should view Cal State San Bernardino as a reliable admission option while building balanced college lists. The university's open access mission supports its role as an Opportunity Builder institution, providing educational pathways for students who might face barriers at more selective schools.

For prospective students, this accessibility creates opportunities to focus on academic preparation and program fit rather than admission competition. The high acceptance rate reflects the university's commitment to serving diverse student populations, including first-generation and lower-income students who represent significant portions of the enrolled student body.

California State University-San Bernardino's published cost of attendance is $16,910 per year, including $7,675 in-state tuition, $12,996 for room and board, and $788 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $5,918 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,992 annually.

This net price ranks exceptionally well compared to the peer median of $15,590, making Cal State San Bernardino $9,672 more affordable than similar institutions. The substantial difference between sticker price and actual cost reflects the university's strong financial aid programs and commitment to affordability.

California residents benefit from lower in-state tuition rates, while the comprehensive financial aid packaging ensures that published prices do not create barriers for qualified students. The university's affordability index ranks at the 95.0th percentile with top-tier performance, indicating exceptional value relative to comparable institutions nationwide.

This combination of moderate published costs and generous financial aid creates one of the most affordable pathways to a four-year degree in California's public university system. Students should expect significant financial support, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who may pay substantially less than the average net price.

Cal State San Bernardino graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth over time and strong mobility outcomes. Median earnings rise from $43,149 six years after enrollment to $51,273 at eight years and $59,977 at ten years, representing 39% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on robust cohort sizes of 5,154 six-year graduates, 5,310 eight-year graduates, and 5,140 ten-year graduates, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $13,310 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Cal State San Bernardino in the 89.4th percentile for earnings uplift and well above average performance.

This value-added performance indicates the institution's effectiveness in supporting student success beyond what would be predicted by demographics alone. Low-income graduates earn $46,100, demonstrating solid economic outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Earnings span from $36,326 at the 25th percentile to $83,589 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 23.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.

The completion rate of 54.6% rises to 64.0% for Pell-eligible students, showing stronger support for low-income students than the general population.

Cal State San Bernardino offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult Health Nursing ranks #40 nationally and #22 in California, producing 107 graduates with exceptional median earnings of $99,072 and a strong value score of 85.8.

Computer Science ranks #126 nationally and #30 in California, graduating 94 students with median earnings of $79,357. Artificial Intelligence ranks #107 nationally and #5 in California, graduating 166 students with median earnings of $68,354 and representing one of the university's flagship programs.

General Studies ranks #21 nationally and #8 in California, graduating 315 students with median earnings of $47,796 and an outstanding value score of 89.0. Business Administration and Management represents the university's largest program, graduating 1,096 students annually with median earnings of $48,198.

Psychology ranks #143 nationally and #29 in California, graduating 687 students with median earnings of $39,629. These programs demonstrate the university's strength across diverse fields, from healthcare and technology to business and liberal arts, providing students with multiple pathways to career success.