California State University-Bakersfield vs California State University-San Marcos
MSN 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 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | California State University-San Marcos Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | MSN | MSN |
| Format | in person | in person |
| Location | Bakersfield, CA | San Marcos, CA |
| Length | 24 months | 24 months |
| NCLEX pass rate | 98.1% | — |
| Acceptance rate | 88.2% | 95.7%BEST |
| Avg accepted GPA | — | — |
| Min GPA | — | — |
| Entrance exam | — | — |
| Total tuition | $9,130 in / $18,634 outBEST | $9,168 in / $18,672 out |
| In-state tuition | $9,130BEST | $9,168 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $18,634BEST | $18,672 |
| Clinical placement | — | — |
| Accreditation | CCNE | CCNE |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, California State University-Bakersfield or California State University-San Marcos?
California State University-Bakersfield is the more affordable option at roughly $9,130, compared to $9,168. 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-San Marcos the same type of program?
Both are MSN 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-San Marcos?
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.