Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus vs California State University-Bakersfield

University Park, PA — Bakersfield, CA

Metric
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
Location University Park, PA Bakersfield, CA
Type Public Public
Total Enrollment 42,284 8,577
Acceptance Rate 60.6% 93.8%
SAT Average 1,337
In-State Tuition $20,644 $8,090
Out-of-State Tuition $41,790 $20,690
Avg Net Price $32,875 $5,652
Median Debt at Graduation $25,000 $16,600
4-Year Graduation Rate 85.9% 49.6%
Retention Rate 92.6% 78.8%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $55,620 $44,282
Median Earnings (10 yr) $63,435 $59,009
Loan Repayment Rate 3192600.0% 313600.0%

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

Full Profile
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
University Park, PA
View full college profile →
Full Profile
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA
View full college profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus and California State University-Bakersfield compare?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (University Park, PA) has an acceptance rate of 60.6%, in-state tuition of $20,644, and median 10-year earnings of $63,435. 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.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or California State University-Bakersfield?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $63,435 vs $59,009. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus or California State University-Bakersfield?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), California State University-Bakersfield is the more affordable option at $5,652 per year versus $32,875.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 85.9% vs 49.6%.

More Comparisons

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