CSU Bakersfield vs. Life Pacific University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with Life Pacific University in San Dimas, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Life Pacific University based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 621 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Life Pacific University is in San Dimas, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life Pacific University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Life Pacific University 12:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Life Pacific University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University ($6,489 vs. $21,602).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Life Pacific University are 19.1% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($12,190 vs. $15,076).
• Life Pacific University is 173.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $14,028 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.9% higher at Life Pacific University than at California State University Bakersfield (about $1,428 more per year; $22,118.00 vs. $20,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life Pacific University than at California State University Bakersfield (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life Pacific University students is 5.6% larger than aid received by California State University Bakersfield students ($13,696 vs. $12,966).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Life Pacific University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or Life Pacific 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 Life Pacific University and CSU Bakersfield.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLife Pacific University 930/1085.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLife Pacific University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; Life Pacific University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026; Life Pacific University May 1, 2027.
• Life Pacific University has a higher acceptance rate (95.8%) than CSU Bakersfield (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at CSU Bakersfield vs. 33.8% at Life Pacific University.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Life Pacific University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Life Pacific 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).

• California State University Bakersfield's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Life Pacific University's (33%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than Life Pacific University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $32,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $7,362 lower median loan debt than Life Pacific University graduates ($13,168 vs. $20,530).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Life Pacific University graduates ($136 vs. $212).
• More Life Pacific University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU Bakersfield students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.