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California State University-Bakersfield vs California State University-San Bernardino

California State University-Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, CA, and California State University-San Bernardino is a public university in San Bernardino, CA. Both admit about 94% of applicants. California State University-San Bernardino is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $4,564 a year against $5,652 at California State University-Bakersfield. About 55% of students graduate at California State University-San Bernardino, compared with 50% at California State University-Bakersfield. Ten years after enrolling, California State University-San Bernardino alumni earn a median of about $59,977, against $59,009 for California State University-Bakersfield.

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Bakersfield, CA
San Bernardino, CA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
8,577
15,023
Acceptance rate
94%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
Not reported
910–1080
ACT (middle 50%)
Not reported
15–20
Test policy
Test blind
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$5,652
$4,564
Full cost / yr
$19,522
$17,427
In-state tuition
$8,090
$8,093
Out-of-state tuition
$20,690
$20,693
Application fee
$70
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$3,536
$2,681
$30k - $48k
$3,817
$2,680
$48k - $75k
$5,835
$4,735
$75k - $110k
$9,480
$7,745
Over $110k
$16,069
$14,316
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
55%
Freshman retention
79%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,282
$43,149
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,009
$59,977
Median debt at graduation
$16,600
$14,715
Student body
Pell grant recipients
61%
58%
First-generation students
58%
60%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Nov 30
Jan 31

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-San Bernardino 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-San Bernardino?
California State University-San Bernardino is cheaper on average. Students pay about $4,564 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $5,652 at California State University-Bakersfield. 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-San Bernardino?
Before aid, California State University-San Bernardino costs about $17,427 a year and California State University-Bakersfield about $19,522. 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-San Bernardino?
California State University-San Bernardino. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,681 there, against about $3,536 at California State University-Bakersfield. 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-San Bernardino?
California State University-San Bernardino is the larger of the two, with about 15,023 undergraduates against 8,577 at California State University-Bakersfield.
Does California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-San Bernardino have a better graduation rate?
California State University-San Bernardino has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 50% at California State University-Bakersfield.
Do graduates of California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-San Bernardino earn more?
California State University-San Bernardino alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,977 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-San Bernardino 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-San Bernardino considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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