What Is It Known For?
Bakersfield College opened its doors in 1913, making it one of the oldest community colleges still operating in the country. More than a century later, the school welcomes about 46,000 students each year across multiple locations. You’ll find the main 153-acre campus in northeast Bakersfield, plus satellite sites in Delano, BC SouthWest, and the Weill Institute downtown.
BC holds Hispanic Serving Institution status, which means the campus mirrors the cultural makeup of the area it serves.
Degrees & Certifications
Bakersfield College organizes its programs into 10 Learning & Career Pathways with program lengths varying based on what you’re studying.
You can pursue degrees or certificates in:
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Culinary Arts
- Business
- Public Safety Training
- Education
- Arts, Communication and Humanities
- Health Sciences
- Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math
- Industrial Technology and Transportation
- Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Personal & Career Exploration
Class Schedules
Bakersfield College runs on a 16-week semester system, but you’re not locked into traditional timing. Evening classes work for people with day jobs. Weekend options fit busy schedules. Short-term vocational programs get you trained faster, while online courses (over 750 of them) let you study when and where it makes sense for your life.
Some programs include hands-on clinical work or research experiences. You also get to complete externships depending on your field of study.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, accredits Bakersfield College.
Acceptance Rate
Bakersfield College’s acceptance rate is 100%, meaning it welcomes all students who meet basic enrollment requirements.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
California residents pay $1,380 in tuition, though total costs could reach $19,785 to $33,564 once you factor in course material, housing, and other expenses. Out-of-state students incur $11,250 in tuition.
Financial aid comes from federal programs, state funding, and private sources. You might qualify for scholarships, grants, work-study positions, or loans. You can contact the school directly for specifics about your situation. The school’s net price calculator also gives you a personalized estimate of the costs involved.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Hospitality Management
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Logistics Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminology and Justice System
- Law Enforcement
Healthcare
- Registered Veterinary Technician
- Certified Phlebotomy Technician Training Program
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Health Information Technology
- Nurse Assistant Training Program
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Public Health Sciences
- Radiologic Technology
- Registered Nursing
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedics
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
- American Sign Language
- Art History
- Graphic Design
- Music
- Theatre Arts
Skilled Trades
- Automotive Technology
- Construction
- HVAC Technology
- Manufacturing Technologies
- Welding
- Woodworking and Cabinetmaking
- Fire Technology
Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Campus Locations
Bakersfield 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield, CA 93305
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Bakersfield College (BC) has a solid reputation as an accessible and high-value starting point for higher education. While the academic quality and campus environment are frequently praised, the institution faces significant criticism regarding administrative efficiency and student support services.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Strong Academic Foundation: Many students highlight that BC provides an excellent foundation for transferring to major universities. Several reviewers noted that the quality of education rivaled or exceeded their experiences at four-year institutions, specifically praising experienced professors who are former industry professionals (CPAs, lawyers, and CEOs).
Life-Changing Vocational Programs: The nursing program is frequently singled out for its excellence, with graduates expressing deep gratitude for the career opportunities it provided. Other specialized courses, like CNC/machining and vector art, also received high marks for being unique and high-quality.
Abundant Resources for Proactive Students: Reviewers mentioned that the college offers a wealth of resources, including scholarship opportunities, the DSPS program, and specific hubs like the Math Hub. The general consensus is that “if you are willing to ask,” the help is there.
Spectacular Facilities and Atmosphere: The stadium, food trucks, and overall “vibe” of the campus are major pluses for students. Recent renovations have also been noted positively, making the campus feel clean and modern.
Common Criticisms
Administrative and Counseling Struggles: This is the most consistent area of complaint. Students report long wait times, difficulty reaching anyone by phone or email, and a perceived lack of care from administrative staff. Multiple reviewers mentioned being misadvised into taking unnecessary classes or struggling to resolve residency and financial aid issues for months.
IT and Communication Barriers: A recent and specific concern involves the college’s email firewalls, which reportedly block external domains, making it difficult for researchers and students to communicate with outside entities.
Parking and Crowding: Students frequently complain about the $40 per semester parking fee, noting that there are never enough spots. Additionally, classes are often described as overbooked, sometimes resulting in students “sitting on each other’s laps” or being unable to register for required courses that fill up instantly.
Rude Staff in Specific Departments: While professors are generally liked, some support staff in the bookstore, financial aid office, and registration have been described as “rude,” “dismissive,” and “unhelpful,” particularly to students who are already stressed about costs and enrollment.
Momentum
Bakersfield College maintains a steady, positive momentum primarily driven by its academic outcomes and the value it provides to the community. However, there is a visible trend of growing frustration regarding the “black hole” of administration. While the school continues to produce successful graduates and registered nurses, the friction in enrollment and counseling appears to be a persistent hurdle that has led some students to transfer to smaller neighboring colleges like Taft for a smoother experience. The school’s responsiveness to physical renovations shows an investment in the campus, but recent reviews suggest a similar investment is needed in digital communication and administrative staffing.