CSU Bakersfield vs. Western New Mexico University

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with Western New Mexico University in Silver City, NM on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than Western New Mexico University based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 3,531 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); Western New Mexico University is in Silver City, NM (Remote Town setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Western New Mexico University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; Western New Mexico University 12:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Western New Mexico University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University ($6,489 vs. $9,477).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western New Mexico University are 27.4% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($10,940 vs. $15,076).
• California State University Bakersfield is 2.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western New Mexico University (about $222 more per year; $8,090.00 vs. $7,868.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.3% higher at CSU Bakersfield than at Western New Mexico University (about $6,348 more per year; $20,690.00 vs. $14,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield than at Western New Mexico University (91% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 2.4% larger than aid received by Western New Mexico University students ($12,966 vs. $12,666).

CSU Bakersfield vs. Western New Mexico University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University and CSU Bakersfield.

• Western New Mexico University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; Western New Mexico University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026; Western New Mexico University Aug 12, 2027.

CSU Bakersfield vs. Western New Mexico University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and Western New Mexico 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 Western New Mexico University's (13%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than Western New Mexico University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $35,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $7,518 lower median loan debt than Western New Mexico University graduates ($13,168 vs. $20,686).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $77 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western New Mexico University graduates ($136 vs. $213).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Western New Mexico University students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 34%)

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.