CSU Bakersfield vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

California State University Bakersfield is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 6,053 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU Bakersfield vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or NSU? 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 NSU ($6,489 vs. $9,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Norfolk State University are 23.1% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($11,591 vs. $15,076).
• Norfolk State University is 25.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $2,090 more per year; $10,180.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.8% higher at NSU than at California State University Bakersfield (about $992 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $20,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield than at Norfolk State University (91% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 16.1% larger than aid received by California State University Bakersfield students ($15,056 vs. $12,966).

CSU Bakersfield vs. NSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or NSU? 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 NSU and CSU Bakersfield.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsNorfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026; NSU May 31, 2027.
• CSU Bakersfield has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than NSU (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at CSU Bakersfield vs. 13.2% at NSU.

CSU Bakersfield vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and NSU? 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 Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $17,832 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($13,168 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $184 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($136 vs. $320).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 27%)

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.