CSU Bakersfield vs. Shawnee State University

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Shawnee State University based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 3,231 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Shawnee State University is in Portsmouth, OH (Distant Town setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shawnee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Shawnee State University 12:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Shawnee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Shawnee 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 Shawnee State University ($6,489 vs. $13,996).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shawnee State University are 17.1% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($12,502 vs. $15,076).
• Shawnee State University is 31.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $2,536 more per year; $10,626.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at CSU Bakersfield than at Shawnee State University (about $3,332 more per year; $20,690.00 vs. $17,358.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield than at Shawnee State University (91% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 65.8% larger than aid received by Shawnee State University students ($12,966 vs. $7,820).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Shawnee State University Admissions comparison

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

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

CSU Bakersfield vs. Shawnee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Shawnee 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 Shawnee State University's (22%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Shawnee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $36,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $10,544 lower median loan debt than Shawnee State University graduates ($13,168 vs. $23,712).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shawnee State University graduates ($136 vs. $245).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shawnee State University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 36%)

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.