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