Business Enrollment Climbs at Cal State Bakersfield

The College of Business and Public Administration reports a 25 percent enrollment increase from 2023 through 2026.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Agriculture

Minimalist architectural courtyard at a university building in Bakersfield, with a stone bench under bright, clear sunlight. — Enrollment in the College of Business and Public Administration at Cal State Bakersfield grew by nearly 25 percent between 2023 and 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local colleges prioritize partnerships with regional employers to help students secure jobs?

Enrollment in the College of Business and Public Administration at Cal State Bakersfield grew by nearly 25 percent between 2023 and 2026. This surge follows targeted efforts to connect academic programming with regional industry needs in Kern County.

Why it matters

The college aligns its curriculum with local economic pillars, ensuring that graduates are prepared for roles in sectors like agriculture and supply chain logistics. By focusing on industries relevant to Bakersfield, the institution creates a direct pipeline between the classroom and the local workforce.

The College of Business and Public Administration saw a 25 percent enrollment increase during the 2023 to 2026 period. This expansion follows a decade of development for the school's specialized agricultural business program, which launched in 2016.

The players

Cal State Bakersfield

This public university serves the higher education needs of the Bakersfield and Kern County region.

Target Distribution Center

This facility located in Shafter maintains a partnership with the university to facilitate professional opportunities.

PepsiCo

This global food and beverage corporation partners with the university to support career-focused academic programs.

Grimmway

This major agricultural firm based in Kern County collaborates with the university to align education with industry demands.

The details

To achieve this growth, faculty and staff expanded outreach to local high schools, community colleges, and chambers of commerce. The institution also works closely with academic advisors to ensure students successfully complete required courses for graduation.

2023 to 2026: Enrollment in the business college increased by nearly 25 percent.
2016: The agricultural business program was first offered to students.

Market Landscape

The college programs mirror the goals of the Kern County Economic Development Strategy by training a localized workforce for the region. This growth demonstrates how institutional academic planning follows a pattern set by regional economic priorities to secure long-term labor stability.

Students and job seekers in the area benefit from a curriculum explicitly designed to meet the demands of major local employers. Prospective applicants should consult with academic advisors to identify which programs best align with the current hiring needs of local partners.

The takeaway

Universities that build strong partnerships with regional employers often see sustained interest from local students looking for career-ready skills. Focusing on industries like supply chain and agriculture allows schools to remain vital to their immediate economic community.