California State University-Bakersfield is not selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of California State University-Bakersfield (CSU Bakersfield) is 86.55%. This means that 87 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
How Competitiveness is California State University-Bakersfield Admissions?
- Slightly Competitive: Applicants need average academics and extracurriculars.
- GPA, SAT/ACT, and AP/IB courses significantly impact admission chances.
- A holistic review considers essays, recommendations, and leadership roles.

Although the acceptance rate is high, remember that to secure admission to any institution of higher learning, you must convince the admission staff that you are mentally and physically fit for the course of studies. Your GPA, class performance, SAT/ACT scores, and IB or AP courses can help your application stand out. If you do not perform well in one area, you can showcase your strengths in other areas, as CSU Bakersfield is not very strict in its admission, so improving other areas will help you secure admission.
To enhance your chances of admission, perform well in academics and other activities. If your GPA is not excellent, compensate by scoring high on the SAT, and ACT, and taking IB or AP courses.
Additionally, a well-written letter of recommendation, your participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and your interpersonal communication skills can improve your chances of admission.
California State University-Bakersfield Admission Requirements
Can I Get Into CSU Bakersfield Without SAT Or ACT?: California State University-Bakersfield does not require admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process and does not recommend that students provide these scores. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Check the schedule of the test and plan accordingly. It is advisable to appear multiple times in the test unless you score well above the average SAT / ACT score of the admitted students, as given below. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
California State University-Bakersfield (CSU Bakersfield) SAT Requirements
Each school has different requirements for SAT and ACT testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them. The test score policy is already mentioned.
CSU Bakersfield Profile
Name: California State University-Bakersfield (CSU Bakersfield)
Accredited by: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
How much does a degree from CSU Bakersfield Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at California State University-Bakersfield is USD: 18410. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at California State University-Bakersfield is USD: 7191
How can I get a scholarship?
59.38% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 23.19 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to CSU Bakersfield and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At California State University-Bakersfield, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist CSU Bakersfield as your choice in the form.
How much a CSU Bakersfield Graduate make?
The average annual salary of the CSU Bakersfield graduate after 4-6 years of graduation is USD 59009. An average CSU Bakersfield graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4-6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is USD: 40595
Degree Programs
Bachelor Degree Programs
- Agricultural Business and Management
- Anthropology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
- Chemistry
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer Engineering
Frequently Asked Questions About California State University-Bakersfield Admissions
Answer: Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
Question: What is the tuition fee for California State University-Bakersfield?
Answer: The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $10,000 to $30,000 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
Question: What are my chances of getting a scholarship at California State University-Bakersfield?
Answer: Your chances of getting a scholarship are excellent, with more than a 80% chance, depending on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Question: What is the acceptance rate for California State University-Bakersfield?
Answer: The acceptance rate is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
Question: How competitive is the SAT score requirement for California State University-Bakersfield?
Answer: Admission to California State University-Bakersfield is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 0 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of -
Question: Is it possible to transfer to California State University-Bakersfield from another university?
Answer: Yes, many students successfully transfer to California State University-Bakersfield each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
Question: What is the campus culture like at California State University-Bakersfield?
Answer: The campus culture at California State University-Bakersfield is diverse and vibrant, with numerous student organizations, sports teams, and cultural activities. It’s an ideal environment for personal growth and building lifelong connections.
Question: How can I improve my chances of getting into California State University-Bakersfield?
Answer: To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
Full list of All degree programs offered by California State University-Bakersfield.
Data on this page is sourced from IPEDS, College Scorecard's latest data as provided in 2024, US Department of Education's latest 2024 statistics, Institute's official websites and printed material as well as additional publicly available sources.