College Costs in Bakersfield, CA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 18 colleges in Bakersfield, California. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$7,309
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,366
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,090
per month
Colleges & Universities
18
institutions
Bakersfield Overview
Population
403,455
Student Population
20,591 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
134 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
39/100
Unemployment Rate
6.3%
College Cost Calculator for Bakersfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$101,248
Total After Financial Aid
$101,248
Annual Cost
$25,312
Annual After Aid
$25,312
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $101,248 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,150 |
| Total Interest | $36,710 |
| Total Loan Cost | $137,958 |
Universities in Bakersfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| California State University, Bakersfield | Public | $7,309 |
| Bakersfield College | Community | $1,540 |
Bakersfield has 18 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bakersfield vs. National Average
| Category | Bakersfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $7,309 | $10,940 | -$3,631 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,090 | $1,050 | +$40 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 100 | +34 |
Bakersfield's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Bakersfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
20,591 students
Bakersfield has a total population of 403,455, with approximately 20,591 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bakersfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bakersfield
$67,170
Starting Salary
6.3%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~3 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bakersfield earn a median starting salary of $67,170, which is $32,170 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $101,248 (including room and board), it would take approximately 3 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,787 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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95 colleges · Avg tuition $7,852
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22 colleges · Avg tuition $7,266
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37 colleges · Avg tuition $7,302
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14 colleges · Avg tuition $4,169
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13 colleges · Avg tuition $11,404
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