CSU Bakersfield vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Metropolitan State University based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 6,660 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan State University ($6,489 vs. $16,615).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at California State University Bakersfield are 5% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($15,076 vs. $15,864).
• Metropolitan State University is 21.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $1,750 more per year; $9,840.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 110.3% higher at CSU Bakersfield than at Metropolitan State University (about $10,850 more per year; $20,690.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield than at Metropolitan State University (91% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 51.9% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($12,966 vs. $8,538).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan State University and CSU Bakersfield.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026; Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than CSU Bakersfield (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at CSU Bakersfield vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Metropolitan 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).

• California State University Bakersfield's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than CSU Bakersfield graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $4,824 lower median loan debt than Metropolitan State University graduates ($13,168 vs. $17,992).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $50 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Metropolitan State University graduates ($136 vs. $186).
• More Metropolitan State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU Bakersfield students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.