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Ashford University vs California Aeronautical University

Ashford University is a private for-profit university in San Diego, CA, and California Aeronautical University is a private for-profit university in Bakersfield, CA. Both admit about 100% of applicants. Ashford University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $31,266 a year against $36,126 at California Aeronautical University. About 35% of students graduate at California Aeronautical University, compared with 10% at Ashford University. Ten years after enrolling, California Aeronautical University alumni earn a median of about $38,361, against $35,404 for Ashford University.

Ashford University

San Diego, CA · Private (for-profit)

California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private (for-profit)
Private (for-profit)
Location
San Diego, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
20,152
347
Acceptance rate
100%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.7
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$31,266
$36,126
Full cost / yr
$37,594
$46,233
In-state tuition
$11,960
$37,667
Out-of-state tuition
$11,960
$37,667
Application fee
Not reported
$100
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$31,009
$35,535
$30k - $48k
$31,862
$28,863
$48k - $75k
$33,319
$35,669
$75k - $110k
$32,953
$39,250
Over $110k
$33,593
$43,076
Outcomes
Graduation rate
10%
35%
Freshman retention
35%
69%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,397
$37,182
Median earnings (10 yr)
$35,404
$38,361
Median debt at graduation
$31,250
$30,705
Student body
Pell grant recipients
32%
46%
First-generation students
54%
50%
International students
0%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Ashford University or California Aeronautical University harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 100% of applicants. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Ashford University or California Aeronautical University?
Ashford University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $31,266 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,126 at California Aeronautical University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Ashford University and California Aeronautical University?
Before aid, Ashford University costs about $37,594 a year and California Aeronautical University about $46,233. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Ashford University or California Aeronautical University?
Ashford University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $31,009 there, against about $35,535 at California Aeronautical University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Ashford University or California Aeronautical University?
Ashford University is the larger of the two, with about 20,152 undergraduates against 347 at California Aeronautical University.
Does Ashford University or California Aeronautical University have a better graduation rate?
California Aeronautical University has the higher graduation rate, at about 35% against 10% at Ashford University.
Do graduates of Ashford University or California Aeronautical University earn more?
California Aeronautical University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $38,361 ten years after enrolling, against about $35,404 for Ashford University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Ashford University and California Aeronautical University require SAT or ACT scores?
Ashford University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. California Aeronautical University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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