California State University, Bakersfield SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Cal State Bakersfield’s 85% admit rate means your main task is not chasing a test score, since the campus is test-free. Aim to keep your GPA near or above the 3.50 entering average, complete CSU requirements cleanly, and use the retention and graduation rates as prompts to plan support early.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California State University, Bakersfield facts and stats
California State University, Bakersfield enrolls about 8,865 undergraduates in Bakersfield, California. Cal State Bakersfield has a 79% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 50% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. Cal State Bakersfield is test-free in its admissions process.
Bakersfield, CA
How does your GPA compare at Cal State Bakersfield?
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Key California State University, Bakersfield application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
November 30
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
November 30
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Cal State Bakersfield is test-free, so SAT or ACT scores are not used for admission and you do not need scores for the November 30 application deadline. Retakes and superscoring only matter for other test-using colleges on your list.
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What you'll actually pay
Cal State Bakersfield is a public university in the Big West Conference, with in-state tuition of $6,084 and out-of-state tuition of $18,684. About 79% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 2.
At Cal State Bakersfield, out-of-state tuition is $18,684, while in-state tuition is $6,084, with room and board adding about $15,076. Financial aid is common, with 79% of students receiving aid and an average aid package of $14,622. The average merit award is $6,579. Students graduate with an average debt of $14,813.
Student life at California State University, Bakersfield
3% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 1% of men join fraternities, and 1% of women join sororities.
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