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California State University-Bakersfield vs California State University-Sacramento

California State University-Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, CA. California State University-Sacramento is a public university in Sacramento, CA. Both admit about 94% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $5,652 a year at California State University-Bakersfield after aid, and about $9,338 at California State University-Sacramento. About 56% of students graduate at California State University-Sacramento, compared with 50% at California State University-Bakersfield. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-Sacramento alumni earn a median of about $64,876, against $59,009 for California State University-Bakersfield.

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Bakersfield, CA
Sacramento, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,577
28,350
Acceptance rate
94%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.14–3.64
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
930–1130
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
17–23
Test policy
Test blind
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$5,652
$9,338
Full cost / yr
$19,522
$22,945
In-state tuition
$8,090
$8,018
Out-of-state tuition
$20,690
$20,618
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,536
$6,501
$30k - $48k
$3,817
$7,001
$48k - $75k
$5,835
$9,212
$75k - $110k
$9,480
$11,814
Over $110k
$16,069
$18,861
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
56%
Freshman retention
79%
82%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,282
$51,074
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,009
$64,876
Median debt at graduation
$16,600
$15,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
61%
49%
First-generation students
58%
49%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Dec 1
Regular decision
Nov 30
Dec 15

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 California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-Sacramento harder to get into?
They are about equally selective: both admit around 94% 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, California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-Sacramento?
California State University-Bakersfield is cheaper on average. Students pay about $5,652 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $9,338 at California State University-Sacramento. 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 California State University-Bakersfield and California State University-Sacramento?
Before aid, California State University-Bakersfield costs about $19,522 a year and California State University-Sacramento about $22,945. 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, California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-Sacramento?
California State University-Bakersfield. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $3,536 there, against about $6,501 at California State University-Sacramento. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-Sacramento?
California State University-Sacramento is the larger of the two, with about 28,350 undergraduates against 8,577 at California State University-Bakersfield.
Does California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-Sacramento have a better graduation rate?
California State University-Sacramento has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 50% at California State University-Bakersfield.
Do graduates of California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-Sacramento earn more?
California State University-Sacramento alumni earn more on average: a median of about $64,876 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,009 for California State University-Bakersfield. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do California State University-Bakersfield and California State University-Sacramento require SAT or ACT scores?
California State University-Bakersfield is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. California State University-Sacramento is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school