CSU Bakersfield vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

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

Idaho State University is larger than CSU Bakersfield based on total student enrollment (13,061 students vs. 10,419 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Idaho State University is in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Idaho State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Idaho State University 14:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or ISU? 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 ISU ($6,489 vs. $12,174).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 47.7% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($7,882 vs. $15,076).
• Idaho State University is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $520 more per year; $8,610.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34% higher at ISU than at California State University Bakersfield (about $7,030 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $20,690.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield as at Idaho State University (91% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 40.7% larger than aid received by Idaho State University students ($12,966 vs. $9,217).

CSU Bakersfield vs. ISU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or ISU? 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 ISU and CSU Bakersfield.

• Idaho State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; ISU - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026.

CSU Bakersfield vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and ISU? 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).

• California State University Bakersfield's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $9,782 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($13,168 vs. $22,950).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $101 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($136 vs. $237).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ISU students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 47%)

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.