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California State University, Bakersfield(CSUB): Rankings, Cost, Programs, Placements, Admission 2026

Bakersfield, United States


California State University, Bakersfield

Overview

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is a public university that broke ground in 1965, with academic operations beginning in 1970. Centrally located in the southern San Joaquin Valley, the university is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

CSUB offers a wide range of academic programs, including 37 undergraduate majors, 17 master’s degree programs, five teacher credential programs, and a doctoral program in Educational Leadership. Academics are delivered through four colleges: Arts and Humanities; Business and Public Administration; Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering; and Social Sciences and Education. 

With an acceptance rate of around 85%, CSUB maintains an inclusive admission approach while ensuring academic standards. The university enrols approximately 10,000 students and is supported by more than 1,300 faculty and staff members. 

California State University, Bakersfield's admission eligibility criteria are based on past academic records, a minimum of 2.5 CGPA for students of California and 3 CGPA for non-California students, and english proficiency tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.


California State University, Bakersfield: Quick Highlights

California State University, Bakersfield is a public university offering admission to undergraduates and graduates with an admission acceptance rate of upto 82%. Check the following details for a clear view.

Particulars

Details

University Name

California State University, Bakersfield

Type

Public

Established

1965

Ranking

US News & World Report Ranking - 254

Total Enrollment 

around 10,000 students

Acceptance Rate

85%

UG Tuition Fees

$9,675

PG Tuition Fee

$2,340 - $4,032

English proficiency exams

TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo / PTE / SAT

Median Graduate Salary

$38,000 one year out and $61,600 five years out


California State University, Bakersfield: Rankings

California State University, Bakersfield has received rankings from the last 3 years by the US News & World Report Ranking 2026.

Ranked by

2024

2025

2026

UG Business

244

281

254


California State University, Bakersfield: Accreditation 

California State University, Bakersfield has accreditation by Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 

  • Accrediting Body: CSUB is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 

California State University, Bakersfield

Programs

Undergraduate Majors and Programs

Here is the list of undergraduate programs being offered in different disciplines.

  • Accounting
  • Agricultural Business
  • Anthropology
  • Art
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Business Administration
  • Chemistry
  • Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies
  • Communications
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Criminal Justice
  • Economics
  • Electrical Engineering
  • English
  • Engineering Sciences
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Resource Management
  • Finance
  • Geology
  • History
  • Human Biological Sciences
  • Human Resource Management
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Kinesiology
  • Liberal Studies
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Music
  • Nursing
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Science
  • Pre-Engineering
  • Pre-Med
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy and Administration
  • Religious Studies
  • Sociology
  • Spanish
  • Supply Chain Logistics
  • Theatre


Graduate Degrees and Programs

Here is the list of undergraduate programs being offered in different disciplines.

  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Business Administration (MBA)
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Counseling
  • Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • English
  • Geology
  • Health Care Management (MSA)
  • History
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
  • Mathematics for Teachers
  • Nursing
  • Public Administration (MPA)
  • Social Work (MSW)
  • Spanish
  • Special Education
  • Teacher Education


Colleges

The university serves more than 9,000 students in four colleges:

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Business and Public Administration
  • Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering
  • Social Sciences and Education


California Residents

Fees for California Residents have been mentioned below in an estimated manner; it may vary as on the personal choices of students.

Expense Category

Commuter

On-Campus

Off-Campus

Systemwide Tuition Fee

$6,450

$6,450

$6,450

Mandatory Campus Fees

$2,046

$2,046

$2,046

Living (Food)

$8,948

$5,244

$7,648

Housing

$0

$10,354

$10,734

Books/Supplies/Equipment

$978

$978

$978

Transportation

$2,474

$1,250

$2,536

Personal Expenses

$3,144

$2,528

$4,274

Direct Loan Fees

$130

$130

$130

Total Estimated Budget

$24,170

$28,980

$34,796


Non-California Residents

Fees for Non-California Residents have been mentioned below in an estimated manner; it may vary as on the personal choices of students.

Category

Commuter

On-Campus

Off-Campus

Non-Resident Tuition

$10,656

$10,656

$10,656

Systemwide Tuition Fee

$6,450

$6,450

$6,450

Mandatory Campus Fees

$2,046

$2,046

$2,046

Living (Food)

$8,948

$5,244

$7,648

Housing

$0

$10,354

$10,734

Books/Supplies

$978

$978

$978

Transportation

$2,474

$1,250

$2,536

Personal Expenses

$3,144

$2,528

$4,274

Direct Loan Fees*

$130

$130

$130

Total Estimated Budget

$34,826

$39,636

$45,452


Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

Fees for Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) have been mentioned below in an estimated manner; it may vary as on the personal choices of students.

Category

Commuter

On-Campus

Off-Campus

Tuition Fee

$9,675

$9,675

$9,675

Mandatory Campus Fees

$2,046

$2,046

$2,046

Living (Food)

$8,948

$5,244

$7,648

Housing

$0

$10,354

$10,734

Books/Supplies

$978

$978

$978

Transportation

$2,474

$1,250

$2,536

Personal Expenses

$3,144

$2,528

$4,274

Direct Loan Fees*

$130

$130

$130

Total Estimated Budget

$27,395

$32,205

$38,021


Undergraduate Students

The fee is subdivided on the basis of the level of degree, for undergraduate students fee for upto 6 units and for more than 6 units has been mentioned below.

Fee Type

0–6.0 Units

6.1+ Units

Tuition Fee

$1,869.00

$3,225.00

ASB Fee

$237.20

$237.20

Health Facility Fee

$3.00

$3.00

Health Service Fee

$200.50

$200.50

IRA Fee

$91.25

$91.25

Runner Card Fee

$6.00

$6.00

Student Body Fee

$460.05

$460.05

Campus Programming Fee

$25.00

$25.00

Representation Fee

$2.00

$2.00

Total Fees

$2,894.00

$4,250.00


Teacher Credential Program

The fee is subdivided on the basis of the level of degree, for Teacher Credential Program students fee for upto 6 units and for more than 6 units has been mentioned below.

Fee Type

0–6.0 Units

6.1+ Units

Tuition Fee

$2,172.00

$3,744.00

(Plus same mandatory fees as above)



Total Fees

$3,197.00

$4,769.00


Graduate Students

The fee is subdivided on the basis of the level of degree, for Graduate students fee for upto 6 units and for more than 6 units has been mentioned below.

Fee Type

0–6.0 Units

6.1+ Units

Tuition Fee

$2,340.00

$4,032.00

(Plus same mandatory fees)



Total Fees

$3,365.00

$5,057.00

Note - Graduate Professional Business programs may have an additional $303 per unit fee.


Education Doctoral Students (ED & Nursing)

The fee is subdivided on the basis of the level of degree, for Education Doctoral Students fee for upto 6 units and for more than 6 units has been mentioned below.

Program

Tuition + Mandatory Fees (all units)

Education Doctoral (ED)

$7,673.00

Education Doctoral (Nursing)

$9,605.00


Payment Deadlines

Students have to register themselves and pay fees on time to avoid a late fee. The deadline for fee payment is mentioned below.

Registration Period

Fee Payment Due

Classes registered October 20, 2025 – January 14, 2026

January 15, 2026

After January 14, 2026

Due within 24 hours of registration

Late fees: A $20 administrative late fee may be charged if payments are not received by the deadline.

MBBS

1 courses • 6 years
--Average tuition fees
--Median salary
--Exams accepted
-Application date

California State University, Bakersfield

Admission 2026

California State University, Bakersfield Admission 2026.png

Here is the detailed step vise admission process mentioned below.

  1. Select Program and Intake - Select your degree (undergraduate/graduate) and the semester of admission (Fall or Spring).
  2. Apply Online - Use the Cal State Apply portal and choose CSU Bakersfield. Pay the $70 application fee.
  3. File Academic Materials - Post official transcripts (high school/college).
  4. The international transcripts may require a NACES assessment.
  5. Submit Proof of English Proficiency - (TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo / PTE / SAT) are valid, where necessary.
  6. Send Financial Documents - Upload Affidavit of Financial Support and bank statements indicating that there is enough money.
  7. Submit Passport copy - The copy of your passport with a clear image of your photo page.
  8. Graduate Applicants (Where Necessary): Provide a statement of purpose, resume, recommendation letters, and test scores (where necessary).
  9. Waiting to get an Admission Decision - CSUB evaluates your application and informs you about it through email.
  10. Upon admission - Receive I-20, visa application, orientation, and class registration.


California State University, Bakersfield: Eligibility Criteria

California State University, Bakersfield's admission eligibility criteria is based on past academic records, a minimum of 2.5 CGPA for students of California and 3 CGPA for non-California students, and english proficiency tests, including IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE.

Criteria

Details

Applicant Type

First-time freshman (no college enrollment after high school)

Educational Requirement

High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET/TASC)

A–G Coursework

15 CSU A–G college preparatory courses

Minimum Grade

Grade C or higher in each A–G subject

GPA (CA Residents)

Minimum 2.50 GPA in A–G courses

GPA (Non-Residents)

Minimum 3.00 GPA in A–G courses

SAT/ACT

Not required (used only for placement, if submitted)


California State University, Bakersfield's course-wise admission eligibility criteria are mentioned below in a tabular format 

Courses

1st Year Tuition Fees

Duration & Eligibility

MS

(6 courses)

₹13 Lakh- 14 Lakh

Duration: 18 months-3 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 80, GRE

B.E. / B.Tech

(4 courses)

₹17 Lakh

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above

B.Sc.

(10 courses)

₹17 Lakh

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above

MBA/PGDM

(3 courses)

₹13 Lakh - 18 Lakh

Duration: 18 months-2 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 80, GMAT, GRE

BSN

(1 course)

₹17 Lakh

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above

B.A.

(3 courses)

₹17 Lakh - 18 Lakh

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above

BBA

(14 courses)

₹12 Lakh - 18 Lakh

Duration: 4 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, PTE: 43 & Above, Duolingo: 95 & Above, TOEFL: 61 & Above

MPA

(1 course)

₹14 Lakh

Duration: 18-24 months

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above

M.A.

(6 courses)

₹13 Lakh - 18 Lakh

Duration: 18 months-2 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above, TOEFL: 80 & Above

MSN

(1 course)

₹15 Lakh

Duration: 2 years

Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above, Duolingo: 105 & Above


CSUB Fall 2026: Freshman Admission Dates & Timeline

Here are the upcoming important events of California State University, Bakersfield, and their expected dates. 

Upcoming Events

Dates

Initial Official Transcripts Due

February 16, 2026

Intent to Enrol (Deposit)

By May 1, 2026

Residency Documents (if required)

By May 1, 2026

Final Official Transcripts

By July 1, 2026

Registration Begins

June 29, 2026

Orientation Begins

May 2026

First Day of Classes

August 24, 2026

MBBS

1

Courses

5.5 yrs

Duration

--

Total Seats

--

Tuition Fees

--

Exams

--

Eligibility

FAQs related to Admission 2026

CSUB admits TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, and SAT (placement, when required).


No, SAT/ACT scores are not needed to get admission, but they can be utilized to get a course placement.


California State University, Bakersfield

Campuses

There are a total of 26 campuses of California State University around the globe. Check the campus that is suitable for you.

  • California State University, Bakersfield
  • California State University Channel Islands
  • California State University, Chico
  • California State University, Dominguez Hills
  • California State University, East Bay
  • California State University, Fresno
  • California State University, Fullerton
  • California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt
  • California State University, Long Beach
  • California State University, Los Angeles
  • California State University, Monterey Bay
  • California State University, Northridge
  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • California State University, Sacramento
  • California State University, San Bernardino
  • San Diego State University
  • San Francisco State University
  • San José State University
  • California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
  • California State University San Marcos
  • Sonoma State University
  • California State University, Stanislaus
  • California Maritime Academy 

California State University, Bakersfield

Scholarships

CSUB offers many scholarships funded by corporations, non-profit organizations, and individual donors.

  1. Roadrunner Scholarship Universe – CSUB’s centralized scholarship application portal where students can find and apply for many internal awards.
  2. External Scholarships – Opportunities outside of CSUB that students may pursue via external organizations.

CSUB encourages students to pursue scholarship opportunities offered by external organisations (i.e., outside of the university). These awards can help pay for college costs and are available from private entities, nonprofits, foundations, and national scholarship programs. 

  • Bold Scholarship Search Engine
  • CalKIDS
  • FASTweb
  • Health Care Access and Information Funding
  • Immigrants Rising
  • InternationalScholarships
  • Nursing Scholarships
  • Nursing Scholarships and Grants
  • ScholarshipAmerica
  • Scholarships.com
  • Teacher Candidate Funding Explorer

Yes, the students may apply via the Roadrunner Scholarship Universe and with the help of external scholarship platforms.


Yes, the deserving learners are advised to follow up various in-house and external scholarships.


California State University, Bakersfield

Infrastructure

Centrally located on a 375-acre site in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California State University, Bakersfield is home to the Roadrunners. CSUB offers a spacious campus with modern labs, housing, recreation, technology, and sustainable infrastructure supporting academic and student life. 

California State University Bakersfield Hostel.jpg

Infrastructure Area

Details

Campus Size & Layout

375-acre campus with academic buildings, open green spaces, residential areas, and outdoor learning environments.

Library Facilities

Walter W. Stiern Library – five-story facility with study rooms, digital resources, computer labs, and research support services.

Academic & Research Labs

Specialized science, engineering, geology, cybersecurity, robotics, and energy research labs, including the Well Sample Repository.

Student Union & Cultural Spaces

Student Union with dining, lounges, meeting rooms; Doré Theatre for performances, lectures, and cultural events.

Student Housing

Modern on-campus housing with 500+ beds, study lounges, recreation areas, and community spaces (LEED-equivalent design).

Sports & Recreation Facilities

Student Recreation Center with gym, indoor courts, fitness rooms, climbing wall, track, outdoor fields, and sports courts.

Transportation Facilities

On-campus transit center with bus access, bike facilities, and improved connectivity to the city.

Technology Infrastructure

Campus-wide Wi-Fi, smart classrooms, modern IT systems, and digital learning support services.

FAQs related to Infrastructure programs

CSUB hostels are furnished rooms, utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry, secure key access, and a share of suite-style living.


Yes, every student living in CSUB hostels is obliged to purchase the mandatory base meal plan, which is $2,625 per semester.