California State University, Bakersfield is a public university in Bakersfield, California, ranked #31 in Regional Universities West as per US News 2026. The main 375-acre campus sits in the San Joaquin Valley. A satellite campus operates in the Antelope Valley.
The university offers 39 bachelor’s programmes, 17 master’s programmes and one doctorate in Educational Leadership across four schools. All instruction is in English. Two annual intakes (Fall and Spring) suit Indian applicants graduating in May or December. The MS universities in USA route is the most common pathway from India to CSUB.
- US News Regional West 2026: #31
- Acceptance rate: 85.1% (Fall 2024, official)
- Intakes: Fall (primary) and Spring
- PG basic tuition 2026-27: USD 8,548 per year + USD 471 per unit nonresident surcharge
- Total enrolment (Fall 2024): 10,664 students; international students form 6% of the cohort
- Median MBA starting salary (US regional benchmark): USD 65,000 (INR 61.6 lakh, market median)
Nonresident tuition follows CSU system rates set by the Board of Trustees. Per-unit surcharges are revised each academic year. Fee waivers are limited; Global Ambassador and departmental awards can offset costs. Indian graduates access 12 months of Optional Practical Training. A 24-month STEM extension applies to eligible degrees, in line with other universities in USA.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.83 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Opens October 2026 (est.) for the Fall 2027 intake. The Spring 2027 window closed on 31 August 2026. International applicants should now prepare for Fall 2027. That cycle is expected to open 1 October 2026 and close 30 November 2026, based on the prior CSUB cycle. Apply through Cal State Apply and submit financial documents in the same window.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at CSU Bakersfield 2027
- CSU Bakersfield Admission 2027
- CSU Bakersfield Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- CSU Bakersfield Acceptance Rate 2027
- CSU Bakersfield Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- CSU Bakersfield Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- CSU Bakersfield Scholarships 2027
- CSU Bakersfield Rankings 2027
- CSU Bakersfield Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- CSU Bakersfield vs Peer Universities
- California State University, Bakersfield FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at California State University, Bakersfield 2027
CSU Bakersfield charges basic CSU Bakersfield fees plus a nonresident surcharge of USD 471 per unit for international students. Most master’s programmes run 30 to 36 units over two years. The MBA is 36 units. Fees below are total programme estimates.
California State University, Bakersfield Top PG Courses and Fees for Indian Students
Master’s programmes at CSUB share a uniform per-unit fee structure. A typical 48-unit two-year total sits between USD 42,000 and USD 48,000. The MBA sits at the upper end due to its USD 321 per-unit professional fee.
| Program name | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 48,000 (estimated) | 45.5 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GMAT 500+ |
| MS Computer Science | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); GRE 148V/149Q+ |
| MS Biology | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in biology with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Health Care Administration (MSHCA) | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MS Geology | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in geology or earth science with 55% (recommended) |
| MS Counseling Psychology | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); statement of purpose |
| MPA Public Administration | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MSW Social Work | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended); relevant coursework |
| MSK Kinesiology | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in kinesiology or related field with 55% (recommended) |
| MA English | 44,000 (estimated) | 41.7 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s in English with 55% (recommended) |
[Source: CSUB Schedule of Tuition and Fees; CSUB MBA Tuition and Fees page]
California State University, Bakersfield Top UG Courses and Fees for Indian Students
Bachelor’s programmes run four years. Fees are priced identically across majors. Total tuition for international undergraduates over four years sits near USD 92,000 based on 2026-27 rates.
| Program name | Total fee (USD) | Total fee (INR lakh) | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS Computer Science | 92,000 (estimated) | 87.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
| BS Computer Engineering | 92,000 (estimated) | 87.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 75% (recommended) |
| BS Nursing | 92,000 (estimated) | 87.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 80% (recommended); prerequisite science coursework |
| BS Business Administration | 92,000 (estimated) | 87.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
| BA Communications | 92,000 (estimated) | 87.2 lakh (estimated) | Class 12 with 70% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian students at CSUB cluster around the MBA, MS Computer Science, MSHCA and MS Geology. Petroleum geology is the only such programme at a public university west of the Rockies.
Read More: California State University, Bakersfield Fees and Cost of Living Guide
California State University, Bakersfield Admission 2027
CSU Bakersfield runs two intakes each year: Fall (primary, larger cohort) and Spring. Indian applicants apply centrally through Cal State Apply. The application fee is USD 70.
The CSU Bakersfield admission for Indian students follows the standard CSU international timeline. Windows are tighter than at most US publics.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2027 application window | Expected 1 October 2026 to 30 November 2026 (based on prior CSUB cycle) | Apply through Cal State Apply; USD 70 fee |
| Spring 2027 application window | 1 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 (closed) | Closed on 31 August 2026; next chance is Fall 2027 |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 8 to 12 weeks before deadline | Course-by-course evaluation required for Indian transcripts |
| Fall 2027 programme start | Late August 2027 | Orientation held in the week prior |
Planning note: The Fall window is only eight weeks long. Indian applicants should complete IELTS or TOEFL by August 2026. Start WES evaluation in September so documents reach CSUB by the November close.
Read More: California State University, Bakersfield Admissions Guide for Indian Students
California State University, Bakersfield Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The CSU Bakersfield admission requirements for Indian students centre on academic GPA and a verified English test.
Postgraduate:
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (equivalent to 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 on the Indian scale); higher for competitive programmes
- English test minimums (verified 2026-27): TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, PTE Academic 58, Duolingo English Test 105
- Credential evaluation from WES or a NACES-approved agency for Indian transcripts
- Programme-specific tests: GRE 148 Verbal and 149 Quantitative for research MS; GMAT 500+ for MBA
Undergraduate:
- Class 12 with minimum 2.5 GPA (equivalent to 75% or CGPA 7.5/10 on the Indian scale) across the 15-unit a-g curriculum pattern
- English test minimums (verified 2026-27): TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5 (each section 5.5), PTE 43, Duolingo 95, or SAT EBRW 550+
Note: Indian applicants who completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited English-medium institution may qualify for a language waiver. Confirm eligibility with CSUB International Admissions before booking IELTS or TOEFL.
California State University, Bakersfield Acceptance Rate 2027
The California State University, Bakersfield acceptance rate for Fall 2024 was 85.1%, published in official CSU enrolment data. The Fall 2023 rate was 88.7%. Entry has tightened marginally year on year.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | 85.1% | Down 3.6 points |
| Fall 2023 | 88.7% | Baseline |
[Source: CSU official enrolment data; US News Best Colleges]
CSU Bakersfield is classified as less selective. Most academically qualified applicants secure admission. Programme-level admission is tighter for Nursing, MBA and Computer Science.
Reality check: A high overall acceptance rate does not guarantee entry into the impacted majors. Nursing and graduate Computer Science have separate departmental screens with tighter GPA rules.
Read More: California State University, Bakersfield Acceptance Rate
CSU Bakersfield Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
The total annual cost for an international graduate student at CSU Bakersfield sits between USD 29,713 and USD 41,073 (INR 28.2 lakh to INR 38.9 lakh), depending on housing choice. Figures follow the official CSUB Cost of Attendance, in line with wider cost of studying in USA benchmarks.
CSU Bakersfield Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-27
Tuition at CSUB has three parts: basic tuition, mandatory campus fees and a per-unit nonresident surcharge for international and out-of-state students.
| Level | Basic Tuition (USD/year) | Basic Tuition (INR lakh/year) | Nonresident Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (full-time) | 6,838 | 6.48 lakh | USD 471 per unit (INR 44,668 per unit) |
| Graduate (full-time) | 8,548 | 8.10 lakh | USD 471 per unit (INR 44,668 per unit) |
| Campus fees (per semester) | 1,055 | 1.00 lakh | Included in cost of attendance |
[Source: CSUB Schedule of Tuition and Fees 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in Bakersfield for Indian Students
Bakersfield is one of the more affordable California cities. Living costs sit well below Los Angeles or San Francisco. The table below is drawn from CSUB’s official 2026-27 nonresident cost-of-attendance budgets.
| Item | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (off-campus) | 1,050 | INR 99,572 | 11.95 lakh |
| Food | 790 | INR 74,916 | 8.99 lakh |
| Transportation | 215 | INR 20,388 | 2.45 lakh |
| Books and supplies | 100 | INR 9,483 | 1.14 lakh |
| Personal expenses | 295 | INR 27,975 | 3.36 lakh |
| Total | 2,450 | INR 2.32 lakh | 27.89 lakh |
[Source: CSUB Cost of Attendance Budgets 2026-27, nonresident graduate off-campus]
Insider note: On-campus housing at CSUB Housing East runs USD 8,900 to USD 11,200 per academic year. That is cheaper than most comparable California cities.
Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students
California State University, Bakersfield Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The main CSUB campus spans 375 acres in central Bakersfield. A satellite Antelope Valley campus lies 90 miles south. The city is a two-hour drive from Los Angeles.
- Location and transport: The main campus sits four miles west of downtown Bakersfield; Kern Transit and Golden Empire Transit connect student housing to campus daily
- Housing: On-campus rooms cost USD 8,900 to 11,200 per year; international students get priority placement for the first semester
- Facilities: The Icardo Center athletics complex, Walter W. Stiern Library and the Roadrunner Wellness Center anchor student life
- Indian community: International students form 6% of the 10,664-strong body; Indian groups organise Diwali and Holi events each year
What Indian students say: Off-campus rentals in Stockdale cost less than half of comparable Los Angeles apartments. On-campus food halls carry a vegetarian and halal counter that Indian students rate as reliable.
California State University, Bakersfield Scholarships 2027
CSUB runs no India-specific scholarships. All internal awards funded by donors and departments are open to eligible international students through the Roadrunner Scholarship Universe portal.
| Scholarship | Type | Award value | Eligibility one-liner | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadrunner Scholarship Universe (institutional pool) | Merit and need-based | Varies by donor award | Enrolled or admitted CSUB students, including international | Verify at CSUB Scholarships page |
| External Scholarships listed by CSUB Financial Aid | External, third-party | Varies | Program-specific; several open to international applicants | Rolling; verify per programme |
[Source: CSUB Financial Aid Scholarships page]
Planning note: Roadrunner Scholarship Universe awards are typically USD 500 to USD 3,000. They require prior admission, so factor them in as fee offsets. Departmental graduate assistantships are more valuable for MS and MBA students.
Read More: California State University, Bakersfield Scholarships Guide
California State University, Bakersfield Rankings 2027
CSU Bakersfield’s strongest published ranking is #31 in Regional Universities West in the US News Best Colleges 2026 edition. That is one place lower than its #30 finish in the 2025 edition.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| US News Regional Universities West | 2026: #31 | 2025: #30 | 2024: verify at official page |
| US News Top Public Schools (West) | 2026: #18 | 2025: verify at official page | NA |
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World | Listed, unranked band 2026 | Listed, unranked | NA |
| ARWU Shanghai | Not ranked in ARWU 2026 | Not ranked | NA |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026; QS; THE; ARWU]
US News "regional west" covers universities in 15 western US states that award mainly bachelor’s and master’s degrees. CSUB is not ranked in the QS or THE World lists. Those systems weight doctoral research output that CSUB does not emphasise.
Key insight: For F-1 visa officers and Indian employers, the US News regional rank is an accepted credibility marker. It pairs well with a STEM degree for OPT eligibility.
Read More: California State University, Bakersfield Rankings Analysis
California State University, Bakersfield Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Employment outcomes at CSU Bakersfield centre on regional California employers in healthcare, energy and public administration. Career Services coordinates on-campus recruitment and OPT documentation for international graduates.
- Median starting salary (market median): USD 55,000 (INR 52.2 lakh) for CSUB bachelor’s graduates; USD 65,000 (INR 61.6 lakh) for MBA graduates
- Employment within 6 months: Not centrally disclosed by CSUB Career Services
- Representative recruiters (regional sectors): Chevron, Aera Energy, Kern Medical, Dignity Health, Kaiser Permanente and Kern County government
- Post-study work: 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM masters
- Careers support: Handshake portal, resume clinics and CPT authorisation through the Office of International Students and Programs
Insider note: The strongest recruitment pipelines for Indian graduates run through STEM masters in Computer Science and Geology, plus Healthcare Administration. Regional employers hire heavily but rarely sponsor H-1B beyond OPT.
California State University, Bakersfield vs Peer Universities
The natural peer set for CSUB is other CSU regional campuses that Indian students consider as affordable west-coast options. The comparison uses US News Regional West 2026 ranks and 2026-27 nonresident graduate tuition, cross-checked against other MBA universities in USA peer profiles.
| University | US News Regional West 2026 | Avg Annual PG Tuition (USD) | Avg Annual PG Tuition (INR lakh) | One-line differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University, Bakersfield | #31 | 21,962 (estimated) | 20.83 lakh (estimated) | Lowest cost of living in the peer set; petroleum geology strength |
| California State University, Fresno | #25 (estimated) | 22,500 (estimated) | 21.34 lakh (estimated) | Larger Indian community; Central Valley recruiter base |
| California State University, Northridge | #26 (estimated) | 23,800 (estimated) | 22.57 lakh (estimated) | Los Angeles metro access; larger engineering programmes |
| California State University, Sacramento | #22 (estimated) | 23,500 (estimated) | 22.29 lakh (estimated) | Government and public policy hiring hub |
| California State University, San Bernardino | #28 (estimated) | 22,700 (estimated) | 21.53 lakh (estimated) | Inland Empire location; strong MBA cohort |
Key insight: Peer CSU campuses cluster in a narrow tuition band. The Indian applicant’s choice comes down to metro location and Indian community size rather than fee gaps.
CSU Bakersfield stands out on two axes. It has the lowest urban living costs in the CSU peer set. Its petroleum geology programme is unique to public universities west of the Rockies.
Indian graduates who target regional US employment on a STEM OPT pathway find CSUB’s price point competitive. MS Computer Science and MSHCA are the most direct routes. Two-year investment of USD 88,000 (INR 83.5 lakh) over two years pairs against a median MBA starting salary of USD 65,000 (INR 61.6 lakh). The single strongest Indian-specific advantage is low Bakersfield living cost during the OPT and H-1B window.
CSU Bakersfield is not the right fit for research-heavy PhD tracks, a QS top-200 tag or Bay Area network density. Those applicants should consider CSU Northridge or a UC system alternative.
California State University, Bakersfield FAQs
Ques. How long does OPT last for STEM graduates at CSU Bakersfield?
Ans. Indian graduates on an F-1 visa receive 12 months of standard Optional Practical Training after finishing a CSU Bakersfield degree. STEM-designated masters such as MS Computer Science and MS Geology qualify for an added 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives 36 months of authorised US work time. Students apply through USCIS within 60 days of programme completion and can extend by entering the H-1B lottery during OPT.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at CSUB?
Ans. F-1 visa rules permit up to 20 hours per week of on-campus work while classes are in session. That doubles to 40 hours during breaks. California State University, Bakersfield offers positions in the library, dining halls and departmental research labs. Off-campus work is restricted to Curricular Practical Training or economic hardship approval through the Office of International Students and Programs, and requires a full academic year of enrolment.
Ques. Does CSU Bakersfield waive GRE for graduate applicants?
Ans. California State University, Bakersfield waives the GRE for several graduate programmes, though policies vary by department. MBA applicants with a GMAT of 500 or higher can request a waiver. Three years of managerial experience also unlocks the waiver route. MS Computer Science, MSHCA and MSW increasingly accept applications without GRE for candidates with a strong undergraduate GPA. Confirm the current-cycle waiver directly with the graduate department.
Ques. What is the application fee for California State University, Bakersfield?
Ans. The Cal State Apply application fee is USD 70 (INR 6,638 at current rates). It is paid online at submission. CSU Bakersfield does not routinely waive this fee for international applicants. Waivers are limited to US permanent residents and citizens who meet income thresholds. Indian students should budget the fee per programme applied to. Each CSU campus charges USD 70 separately through the shared Cal State Apply portal.
Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise CSU Bakersfield?
Ans. Major Indian education loan providers recognise CSU Bakersfield as an accredited US university for loan sanction. These include HDFC Credila, Avanse, Auxilo, ICICI Bank and SBI. Loan approval typically requires the I-20 form, tuition breakdown and cost-of-attendance letter from CSUB. Collateral rules vary. The regular graduate tuition band of USD 22,000 per year usually falls inside standard unsecured lending limits.
Ques. How much financial proof does CSUB require for the I-20 form?
Ans. The California State University, Bakersfield Affidavit of Financial Support requires bank statements dated within the past six months. Liquid funds required are USD 38,956 for undergraduate applicants, USD 36,392 for most graduate applicants and USD 40,028 for MBA applicants. Funds may sit in a student or sponsor account. Multiple sponsors can combine to meet the total. Once verified, CSUB issues the I-20 for the F-1 visa interview.
Ques. Are dependents allowed to accompany Indian students to CSUB?
Ans. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany F-1 students on an F-2 dependent visa. CSUB issues a separate I-20 for each dependent once extra financial proof is submitted. The added funds requirement is USD 6,000 per dependent per year. F-2 spouses cannot work in the United States. F-2 children may enrol in K-12 schooling but not full-time higher education without changing status.
Ques. Does California State University, Bakersfield accept online English tests?
Ans. CSU Bakersfield accepts standard IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 for graduate, 5.5 for undergraduate) and TOEFL iBT (80 for graduate, 61 for undergraduate) taken at authorised test centres. The Duolingo English Test is accepted at 105 for graduate and 95 for undergraduate applicants. IELTS Indicator and other at-home variants are usually not accepted. Indian applicants should book in-person tests at authorised centres in India.
California State University-Bakersfield sPELbk
| 8MIU1T | 7N6V25 | /mfICu | 3hZkL+ | vvWrCI |
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M.B.A 2 years bONsud: | USD 9,920 /Yr | 70 | GPA: 2.5, IELTS: 5.0, Duolingo: 105, TOEFL: 79, PTE: 58 | |
B.S Nursing 4 years | USD 6,450 /Yr | 70 | GPA:2.5, IELTS:5.5, Duolingo-95 | |
B.S Computer Engineering 4 years bONsud: | USD 6,450 /Yr | 70 | GPA:2.5, IELTS:5.5, Duolingo-95 | |
B.S Computer Science 4 years bONsud: | USD 6,450 /Yr | 70 | GPA:2.5, IELTS:5.5, Duolingo-95 |
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California State University-Bakersfield cvagGg
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Overview
The Electrical Engineering program at Sacramento state is designed by intel and many prof have experience in intel so intel is major recruiter at sac state.
Overview
Close to home, cost. It was near my home and I was seventeen when I started university, and it was incredibly cheap. And our state schools are the best in the country. I also got into the honors program at this school.
Fees
It was about 5 thousand a quarter but I got grants. Those grants didn't pay for textbooks until my senior year though they did cover my living expenses.
Overview
The university has significantly less tution fee and is one of the cheapest universities for MS in Computer Science in USA.Moreover it is located in California where weather is comfortable to live, study and tour and also it is the state where most IT companies in USA are situated.The curriculum offered by the university is also decent.Moreover the university has ample number of part time jobs so that I can manage my living expense.Almost everyone is able to secure a part time job in 2nd semester and able to manage out the complete living expense.
Campus Life
Campus life is fantastic.You get an excellent free wifi, fantastic gym to workout, excellent and a comfortable library to study. You can play arpund the campus, it is quite big.Bookstore is exceptional with plenty of good material around.There are numerous lawn tennis courts, large swimming pool.Numerous game events happen like basketball matches in Walter pyramid to watch, water polo matches,softball matches etc.
California State University-Bakersfield M1+TSd
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California State University-Bakersfield hPqZrl
Suvp9B: https://www2.calstate.edu/apply
Early Action 5ja4Ex
S2h7Mt: November1 (roYG7E)S2h7Mt: April1 (3i/q3r)Regular Decision 5ja4Ex
S2h7Mt: January15 (roYG7E)S2h7Mt: April1 (3i/q3r)
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Comments
Found 3 Comments
Fees for Non-Residents at CSUB for Undergraduate Computer Science courses is $6,450 /Yr
Students for admisison in the university required an SAT score between 880 to 1080.
To get the application fee waiver at the University of Californai, you must meet the following criteria.