California State University-Bakersfield vs Northeastern University Oakland: which has better ROI?
California State University-Bakersfield has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $22,608 in 2.1 years versus 2.3 years at Northeastern University Oakland, on median earnings of $59,009 vs $92,538 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | California State University-Bakersfield | Northeastern University Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $5,652 | $25,181 |
| Total net cost | $22,608 | $100,724 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $59,009 | $92,538 |
| Median debt | $16,600 | $24,250 |
| Payback | 2.1 yrs | 2.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $190,372 | $782,836 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, California State University-Bakersfield or Northeastern University Oakland?
California State University-Bakersfield, at $5,652 a year after aid versus $25,181 — a gap of $19,529 a year, or $78,116 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do California State University-Bakersfield or Northeastern University Oakland graduates earn more?
Northeastern University Oakland graduates report a median $92,538 ten years after entry, $33,529 more than the $59,009 at California State University-Bakersfield. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, California State University-Bakersfield or Northeastern University Oakland?
California State University-Bakersfield: its completers carry a median $16,600 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Northeastern University Oakland, a difference of $7,650. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.