About

About California State University-Bakersfield

high acceptance ratebusiness and social sciencesmasters programs

California State University-Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, CA, known for its high acceptance rate, business and social sciences, and masters programs. With an acceptance rate of 87%, CSUB is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,107 students each year. CSUB is test optional; submitting a strong score can strengthen an application, though it is not required for consideration. CSUB offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,219 per year; the sticker price of $36,757 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

California State University-Bakersfield acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

87%
Overall Accept Rate

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to California State University-Bakersfield

Application Strategy
CSUB uses a straightforward eligibility index combining your GPA and test scores, so make sure your transcript reflects consistent grades across your core A-G courses. Even with an 87% acceptance rate, a strong GPA in college-prep coursework is the clearest path to admission.
Application Strategy
CSUB has a strong identity as the university of the Central Valley and actively serves the Bakersfield and Kern County community, so if you have local roots, work experience in the region, or a career goal tied to industries like agriculture, energy, or healthcare in the area, highlight that connection in your application materials.

Financial Aid & Cost

What California State University-Bakersfield actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$37k/yr$3.5k
30k-48k~$37k/yr$3.8k
48k-75k~$37k/yr$5.8k
75k-110k~$37k/yr$9.5k
110k+~$37k/yr$16.1k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

49%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$44k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
23:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
7,882
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

70%Hispanic
12%White
7%Asian
4%Black / African American
4%Unknown / Unreported
2%Two or More Races
1%International
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender35% Men · 65% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status99% Citizens and Immigrants · 1% International
CSUB, Bakersfield Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch