CSU Bakersfield vs. San Diego Christian College

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with San Diego Christian College in Santee, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than San Diego Christian College based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 96 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); San Diego Christian College is in Santee, CA (Large Suburban setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. San Diego Christian College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; San Diego Christian College 9:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. San Diego Christian College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or San Diego Christian College? 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 San Diego Christian College ($6,489 vs. $21,199).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at San Diego Christian College are 26.5% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($11,080 vs. $15,076).
• San Diego Christian College is 246.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $19,922 more per year; $28,012.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.4% higher at San Diego Christian College than at California State University Bakersfield (about $7,322 more per year; $28,012.00 vs. $20,690.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at San Diego Christian College than at California State University Bakersfield (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by San Diego Christian College students is 43.3% larger than aid received by California State University Bakersfield students ($18,584 vs. $12,966).

CSU Bakersfield vs. San Diego Christian College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU Bakersfield or San Diego Christian College? 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 San Diego Christian College and CSU Bakersfield.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Diego Christian College 900/1098.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSan Diego Christian College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); San Diego Christian College - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026.
• CSU Bakersfield has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than San Diego Christian College (30.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at CSU Bakersfield vs. 15.8% at San Diego Christian College.

CSU Bakersfield vs. San Diego Christian College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and San Diego Christian College? 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 San Diego Christian College's (31%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $8,800 more per year than San Diego Christian College graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $9,938 lower median loan debt than San Diego Christian College graduates ($13,168 vs. $23,106).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $102 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than San Diego Christian College graduates ($136 vs. $238).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former San Diego Christian College students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 47%)

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.