CSU Bakersfield vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with Washburn University in Topeka, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Washburn University based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 6,033 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU Bakersfield vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Washburn 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 Washburn University ($6,489 vs. $11,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washburn University are 23.7% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($11,501 vs. $15,076).
• Washburn University is 22.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $1,855 more per year; $9,945.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Washburn University than at California State University Bakersfield (about $259 more per year; $20,949.00 vs. $20,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washburn University than at California State University Bakersfield (95% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 32.6% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($12,966 vs. $9,781).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

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

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Washburn 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 Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than Washburn University 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 $3,732 lower median loan debt than Washburn University graduates ($13,168 vs. $16,900).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washburn University graduates ($136 vs. $174).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 49%)

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.