Bakersfield, CA · Private University
Is California State University-Bakersfield Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$59,009
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,696
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,576
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$78,304
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.01x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
3.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
49.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$16,600
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$5,825
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
California State University-Bakersfield graduates earn $14,009 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
The Bottom Line
California State University-Bakersfield stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $59,009 10 years after starting, $14,009 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 3.3 years, faster than most colleges.
Ready to apply to California State University-Bakersfield?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.