Campus Vibe
Close-knit campus
California Aeronautical University is a private suburban institution in Bakersfield, California. The school is accessible to a wide range of students.
A small campus of 383 undergraduates with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The suburban location offers a balance of campus life and nearby amenities.
42% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $38,361 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $38,205.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
California Aeronautical University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
33.9%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,354
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
3
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (20)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
62%
- •62% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
History & Fun Facts
- •History On December 17, 1925, Talton Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle founded the Embry–Riddle Company at Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- •In spring 1926, the company opened the Embry–Riddle School of Aviation.
- •Following a merger with the Aviation Corporation (AVCO), the Embry–Riddle flying school was closed in 1930.
- •In 1939, Riddle, John Graham McKay and wife Isabel re-established the school in Miami.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average