CSU Bakersfield vs. Kent State University at Stark

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with Kent State University at Stark in North Canton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Kent State University at Stark based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 3,569 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Kent State University at Stark is in North Canton, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Stark is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Kent State University at Stark 24:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Kent State University at Stark Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Kent State University at Stark? 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 Kent State University at Stark ($6,489 vs. $10,861).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Stark are 21.7% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($11,810 vs. $15,076).
• California State University Bakersfield is 8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kent State University at Stark (about $598 more per year; $8,090.00 vs. $7,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.3% higher at CSU Bakersfield than at Kent State University at Stark (about $3,348 more per year; $20,690.00 vs. $17,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield than at Kent State University at Stark (91% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 151.5% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Stark students ($12,966 vs. $5,156).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Kent State University at Stark Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or Kent State University at Stark? 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 Kent State University at Stark and CSU Bakersfield.

• Kent State University at Stark reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; Kent State University at Stark - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026; Kent State University at Stark Aug 1, 2027.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Kent State University at Stark Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Kent State University at Stark? 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 Kent State University at Stark's (23%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Kent State University at Stark graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $12,657 lower median loan debt than Kent State University at Stark graduates ($13,168 vs. $25,825).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $131 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Kent State University at Stark graduates ($136 vs. $267).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State University at Stark students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 46%)

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.