CSU Bakersfield vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare California State University Bakersfield in Bakersfield, CA with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Bakersfield is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (10,419 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• California State University Bakersfield is located in Bakersfield, CA (Large City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• California State University Bakersfield is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: California State University Bakersfield 20:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

CSU Bakersfield vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU Bakersfield or WVSU? 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 WVSU ($6,489 vs. $11,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Virginia State University are 10.3% lower than at California State University Bakersfield ($13,522 vs. $15,076).
• West Virginia State University is 18.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU Bakersfield (about $1,480 more per year; $9,570.00 vs. $8,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38% higher at CSU Bakersfield than at West Virginia State University (about $5,700 more per year; $20,690.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at California State University Bakersfield than at West Virginia State University (91% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by California State University Bakersfield students is 44.2% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($12,966 vs. $8,993).

CSU Bakersfield vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU Bakersfield - Test-free; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSU Bakersfield Dec 15, 2026.
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than CSU Bakersfield (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.4% at CSU Bakersfield vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

CSU Bakersfield vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU Bakersfield and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from California State University Bakersfield earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Bakersfield graduates have a $10,082 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($13,168 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, CSU Bakersfield graduates have an estimated $104 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($136 vs. $240).
• More CSU Bakersfield graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (54% vs. 35%)

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.