CSU Bakersfield vs. Bemidji State University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with Bemidji State University in Bemidji, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Bemidji State University based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 4,072 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Bemidji State University is in Bemidji, MN (Remote Town setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bemidji State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Bemidji State University 18:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Bemidji State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Bemidji State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at California State University Bakersfield than Bemidji State University ($6,489 vs. $14,859).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bemidji State University are 30.6% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($10,462 vs. $15,076).
• Bemidji State University is 26.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $2,147 more per year; $10,237.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.1% higher at CSU Bakersfield than at Bemidji State University (about $10,453 more per year; $20,690.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield than at Bemidji State University (91% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 64% larger than aid received by Bemidji State University students ($12,966 vs. $7,904).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Bemidji State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or Bemidji State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bemidji State University and CSU Bakersfield.

• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBemidji State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; Bemidji State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026.
• CSU Bakersfield has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Bemidji State University (56%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at CSU Bakersfield vs. 24.2% at Bemidji State University.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Bemidji State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Bemidji State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bemidji State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than California State University Bakersfield's (41%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $5,300 more per year than Bemidji State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $8,136 lower median loan debt than Bemidji State University graduates ($13,168 vs. $21,304).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bemidji State University graduates ($136 vs. $220).
• More Bemidji State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU Bakersfield students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 54%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.