California State University-Bakersfield

What are the graduation rates for students at California State University-Bakersfield?

California State University-Bakersfield exhibits an overall graduation rate of 49%, placing it in the lower third of national rankings. This rate reflects students completing their degrees within six years, a common metric for assessing institutional performance. When broken down by gender, women graduate at a higher rate of 56%, considered average yet still in the bottom 40% compared to peer institutions. In contrast, men graduate at a noticeably lower rate of 39%, which ranks in the bottom 30% nationwide.

The university's four-year graduation rate stands at 28%, indicating that less than a third of students complete their studies within the traditional time frame. This figure is classified as low and falls within the bottom 25% of similar colleges. Retention rates, however, show a more positive aspect, with 80% of students returning after their first year, a performance that ranks in the top 40% nationally and suggests reasonable student engagement.

What is the earning potential for graduates at California State University-Bakersfield?

Graduates from California State University-Bakersfield see a wide range of earnings depending on their field of study. Those holding degrees in engineering-related disciplines, such as Engineering Science, enjoy some of the highest reported median salaries, with earnings around $59,382. Registered Nursing graduates have the strongest earning potential, with median incomes reaching approximately $81,247, marking it as a standout option for students seeking lucrative opportunities.

Business Administration, Management, and Operations alumni also fare well financially, earning about $33,538, while Economics graduates earn a median salary near $38,472. Fields centered on communication, such as Communication and Media Studies, offer median earnings of $32,507, making them competitive within the broader social sciences and humanities spectrum.

Degrees in Criminal Justice and Corrections, Sociology, Psychology, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences provide moderate earnings generally ranging from roughly $23,900 to $28,500. Specifically, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates earn around $28,455, Sociology around $25,051, Psychology approximately $23,911, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences near $26,566. Meanwhile, Biology undergraduates receive about $25,618 annually, and those in Human Development and Family Studies see median earnings near $22,585.

Students pursuing broader Liberal Arts and Sciences or interdisciplinary studies face lower median income levels, often under $19,000, indicating that specialized or professionally oriented programs may provide a greater return on investment in terms of earnings following graduation.