California State University-Bakersfield vs California State University-Monterey Bay
RN to BSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.
At a glance
Side-by-side details
Best value in each row is highlighted.
| California State University-Bakersfield RN to BSN | California State University-Monterey Bay RN to BSN | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | RN to BSN | RN to BSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Bakersfield, CA | Seaside, CA |
| Length | 24 months | 24 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 98.1% | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.2% | 94.8%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $7,696 in / $19,576 out | $7,437 in / $19,317 outBEST |
| In-state tuition | $7,696 | $7,437BEST |
| Out-of-state tuition | $19,576 | $19,317BEST |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-Monterey Bay?
California State University-Monterey Bay is the more affordable option at roughly $7,437, compared to $7,696. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.
Are California State University-Bakersfield and California State University-Monterey Bay the same type of program?
Both are RN to BSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.
How do I decide between California State University-Bakersfield and California State University-Monterey Bay?
Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.
Want a personalized fit score?
Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.