Public · Mostly associate degrees · Large city

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield, California. 17,280 undergraduates.

20%Graduation rate18 pts below the national median for similar colleges (38%)
$4,330Average net price per year56% below the national median for similar colleges ($9,953)
$41,011Median earnings 10 years after starting9% below the national median for similar colleges ($45,146)
$9,914Median debt at graduation17% below the national median for similar colleges ($12,000)
Our read

Graduates' median debt ($9,914) equals 24% of former students' median earnings ten years after starting ($41,011). That is a light load relative to pay.

What families actually pay

Under $30,000$4,330

Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, by family income. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Compare net price across collegesPublished tuition and fees: $1,450 in-state, $11,530 out-of-state.

Do students finish, and what do they earn?

MeasureThis collegeSimilar colleges nationally
Graduation rate20%38%
Return for second year—64%
Median earnings, 6 years after starting$35,324$40,416
Median earnings, 10 years after starting$41,011$45,146
Median debt at graduation$9,914$12,000

Graduation rate within 150% of normal time; retention is the share of first-year students who return. Earnings are medians for former students who received federal aid, working and not enrolled. National comparison is the median for colleges of the same type (mostly associate degrees).

Programs and what graduates earn

93 programs reported
ProgramGraduates / yrMedian earnings, 1 yrMedian earnings, 5 yrsMedian debt
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing192—$102,253—
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities2,208—$46,266—
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services113—$39,281—
Criminal Justice and Corrections142—$38,196—
Psychology, General356—$35,071—
Agricultural Business and Management142———
Agricultural Mechanization8———
Agricultural Production Operations36———
Applied Horticulture and Horticultural Business Services2———
Food Science and Technology1———
Natural Resources Conservation and Research1———
Forestry10———
Architectural Sciences and Technology13———
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies2———
Communication and Media Studies74———
Journalism9———
Computer Science41———
Culinary Arts and Related Services15———
Special Education and Teaching78———
Teaching Assistants/Aides6———
Engineering, General29———
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General1———
Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians22———
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians5———
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians2———
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians6———
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians3———
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics8———
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics66———
American Sign Language16———
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services9———
Non-Professional Legal Studies4———
English Language and Literature, General33———
Biology, General270———
Mathematics51———
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness41———
Philosophy7———
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences1———
Physics28———
Fire Protection19———
Human Services, General21———
Anthropology11———
Economics19———
Political Science and Government36———
Sociology121———
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection4———
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians21———
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians6———
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians10———
Precision Metal Working9———
Woodworking1———
Visual and Performing Arts, General20———
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft8———
Fine and Studio Arts63———
Music13———
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General17———
Health and Medical Administrative Services14———
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services13———
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions31———
Business Administration, Management and Operations225———
Accounting and Related Services35———
History103———

Program-level medians for graduates who received federal aid. A dash means the Department of Education suppressed the figure to protect privacy, usually because the program is small. At four-year colleges, certificate graduates often earned a bachelor's at the same time, so their earnings can reflect the degree. Source: College Scorecard, field of study data.

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Quick answers

How much does Bakersfield College cost per year?
The average net price at Bakersfield College, what students pay after grants and scholarships, is $4,330 per year. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much do Bakersfield College graduates earn?
Former Bakersfield College students earn a median of $41,011 a year ten years after starting college. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at Bakersfield College?
20% of Bakersfield College students graduate within 150% of normal time. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much student debt do Bakersfield College graduates have?
The median federal student debt at graduation from Bakersfield College is $9,914. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.