Bakersfield College (BC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Bakersfield College
Perched on a bluff with big Central Valley skies, Bakersfield College is known for steady, student centered teaching and practical learning. Learners build strong foundations in transfer studies, the sciences, health and public service, business, and the arts. Campus life revolves around bright study spaces, well equipped labs, studios, and athletic venues, plus tutoring, advising, career and transfer support, disability and wellness services, and places where first-gen and military affiliated students can find extra guidance.
Student life feels friendly and down to earth: clubs, student government, performances, and service projects that spill into the city. Recreation includes pickup games and fitness-center workouts, with easy escapes to nearby trails and river spots. Career prep leans hands on, with employer meetups, internships, and transfer pathways tied to regional industries. Bakersfield's food, murals, and a proud music heritage add local flavor. And campus traditions favor spirited, family friendly gatherings. Notable alumni include Kevin McCarthy.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Bakersfield College (BC) offers 78 degree programs across 30 major academic fields, graduating approximately 7,071 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (1 programs, 4,030 graduates), Psychology (1 programs, 356 graduates), Health (6 programs, 294 graduates), Business (5 programs, 288 graduates) and Biological Sciences (1 programs, 270 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 4,030 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 4,030 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
Psychology (1 programs, 356 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 356 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Health (6 programs, 294 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 192 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
| Emergency Medical Technology | 27 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
51.0904 |
| Licensed Practical Nursing | 25 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
51.3901 |
| Radiologic Technology | 23 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0911 |
| Health Information Technology | 14 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0707 |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
51.0806 |
Business (5 programs, 288 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 216 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 41 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0302 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain Management | 22 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52.0203 |
| Office Management and Supervision | 6 |
|
Associate's
|
52.0204 |
| Administrative Assistant Science | 3 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
52.0401 |
Biological Sciences (1 programs, 270 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 270 |
|
Associate's
|
26.0101 |
Agriculture (6 programs, 208 graduates)
Agricultural Sciences, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness Operations | 142 |
|
Associate's
|
01.0102 |
| Animal and Livestock Production | 25 |
|
Associate's
|
01.0302 |
| Agricultural Machinery Technology | 20 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
01.0205 |
| Crop Production | 11 |
|
Associate's
|
01.0304 |
| Food Technology and Processing | 8 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
01.1002 |
| Applied Horticulture | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
01.0601 |
Social Sciences (4 programs, 187 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 121 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 36 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Economics | 19 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Anthropology | 11 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
Security & Safety (5 programs, 185 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 141 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0103 |
| Fire Prevention and Safety Technology | 41 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
43.0201 |
| CNC Machinist Technology | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0102 |
| Fire Science and Firefighting | 1 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
43.0203 |
| Wildland Firefighting and Investigation | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0206 |
Human Sciences (3 programs, 157 graduates)
Family Studies, Consumer Sciences and Human Development
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child Care Provider and Assistant | 143 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19.0709 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
19.0501 |
| Foodservice Systems Management | 5 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19.0505 |
Communication (2 programs, 131 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 122 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
09.0101 |
| Journalism | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
09.0401 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Bakersfield College (BC)
How much does it cost to attend Bakersfield College (BC)?
The annual tuition at Bakersfield College (BC) is $1,430 for in-state students and $10,310 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,368 for in-state students and $11,248 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $19,431 (off-campus) and books and supplies $938.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Bakersfield College offer?
Bakersfield College (BC) offers 78 academic programs across 30 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Bachelor's, Residency, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (1 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (1 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (6 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Bakersfield College?
Bakersfield College (BC) provides financial aid to 6% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,923 and average loans of $5,974.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,531
- State/Local grants: $2,910
- Institutional grants: $773
- Federal loans: $5,320
The university supports 1,354 students with grants and 13 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Bakersfield College graduates?
Bakersfield College (BC) graduates earn a median salary of $29,867 after 6 years and $37,291 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,322 (25th percentile) to $59,738 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $73,000 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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