Is California State University-Bakersfield worth it?

Bakersfield, CA · public

Verdict

Typical students pay $5,652 a year after aid, graduate with $16,600 in federal debt, and earn $44,282 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $178, with a debt break-even of about 3.7 years.

Net price / year

$5,652

Admission rate

94%

Graduation rate

Median debt

$16,600

Earnings (6 yr)

$44,282

Earnings (10 yr)

$59,009

Est. monthly loan payment

$178

Loan-to-income ratio

37%

Debt break-even

3.7 years

How California State University-Bakersfield compares

MetricCalifornia State University-BakersfieldCaliforniaNational
Net price$5,652$18,742$16,642
Median debt$16,600$10,028$12,377
Earnings (6 yr)$44,282$33,633$33,037
Graduation rate

FAQ

How much does it cost to attend California State University-Bakersfield?

The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $5,652 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.

How much debt do California State University-Bakersfield graduates typically carry?

Students who complete a program at California State University-Bakersfield leave with a median federal debt of $16,600, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.

What do California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn?

Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $44,282, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.

What is the graduation rate at California State University-Bakersfield?

Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.

Is California State University-Bakersfield worth the debt?

Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 3.7 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.