California State University-Bakersfield vs University of Southern California

Bakersfield, CA — Los Angeles, CA

Metric
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Location Bakersfield, CA Los Angeles, CA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 8,577 20,443
Acceptance Rate 93.8% 9.8%
SAT Average 1,495
In-State Tuition $8,090 $72,097
Out-of-State Tuition $20,690 $72,097
Avg Net Price $5,652 $32,740
Median Debt at Graduation $16,600 $18,000
4-Year Graduation Rate 49.6% 91.9%
Retention Rate 78.8% 95.9%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $44,282 $74,461
Median Earnings (10 yr) $59,009 $92,498
Loan Repayment Rate 313600.0% 435800.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
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University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do California State University-Bakersfield and University of Southern California compare?
California State University-Bakersfield (Bakersfield, CA) has an acceptance rate of 93.8%, in-state tuition of $8,090, and median 10-year earnings of $59,009. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) has an acceptance rate of 9.8%, in-state tuition of $72,097, and median 10-year earnings of $92,498.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, California State University-Bakersfield or University of Southern California?
University of Southern California graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $92,498 vs $59,009. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, California State University-Bakersfield or University of Southern California?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Bakersfield is the more affordable option at $5,652 per year versus $32,740.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
University of Southern California has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 91.9% vs 49.6%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025