California Aeronautical University, a private school, trains aviation mechanics in a 32,000-square-foot hangar at Meadows Field in Bakersfield. The FAA lists the school under its corporate name, Sanbarcollbuscom Inc.
Verified October 3, 2026 against CAU’s catalog and its 2024 BPPE annual report. Compare all California A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: 75 weeks, about 17 months (AMT diploma)
- Cost: $34,160 total charges (AMT diploma, 2024 state filing)
- Location: Bakersfield, CA (Meadows Field)
- Website: Official School Web Page
Our Take
CAU suits students who want a fast private program with strong results: graduates passed 94.3% of FAA written tests, and CAU pays the first attempt at the three written tests and gives graduates a 263-piece Sonic tool kit. At about $34,160 (2024) it costs less than most California private schools. Cohorts are small, and CAU has not published 2026 rates online.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 certificated school (certificate 2LBT632K) |
| Accreditation | ACCSC (per the 2024 catalog) |
| Programs | AMT Diploma (90 credits, 75 weeks); AS in AMT (122 credits, 90 weeks) |
| Schedule | Year-round |
| Cost | Diploma $34,160; AS $43,900 (total charges, 2024 state filing) |
| Included | First-attempt FAA written test fees; 263-piece Sonic tool kit at graduation |
| Housing | On-campus housing in Bakersfield |
| FAA pass rate | 94.3% (33 of 35 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Campus | 1450 Boughton Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (Meadows Field) |
| Verified | October 3, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
CAU teaches maintenance only at Bakersfield; its other California sites offer flight and management programs. The 2025 catalog describes both programs.
| Program | Credits | Length | Total charges (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMT Diploma | 90 | 75 weeks (~17 months) | $34,160 |
| AS in Aircraft Maintenance Technology | 122 | 90 weeks (~22 months) | $43,900 |
What You Will Actually Pay
CAU’s 2024 BPPE annual report lists total charges of $34,160 for the diploma and $43,900 for the associate degree. Ask admissions for 2026 rates.
Outcomes
CAU’s 2024 state report shows small cohorts: five of six diploma students completed and four of five were placed in the field. Employers include Northrop Grumman, SkyWest and the National Test Pilot School.
How It Compares in the Central Valley
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Aeronautical University (Bakersfield) | Diploma (90 credits) | 75 weeks | $34,160 (2024) | 94.3% |
| Antelope Valley College (Lancaster) | A&P courses (75 units) | 2 years incl. summers | $3,558 | Too few tests |
| Reedley College | AMT certificate | About 24 months | About $9,617 incl. tools | 85.1% |
| San Joaquin Valley College (Fresno) | Certificate (61 units) | 14+ months | $41,050 | 54.0% |
| Cuesta College (San Luis Obispo) | Certificate (48 units) | 4 semesters | $2,292 | 89.7% |
| Spartan College (Inglewood) | Diploma (93 credits) | 18 months | $57,096 | 85.4% |
CAU is the only A&P program in Kern County. See all California A&P schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Aeronautical University’s aviation program FAA-approved?
Yes. It operates FAA Part 147 school 2LBT632K; graduates passed 33 of 35 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
How long is the program?
About 75 weeks (17 months) for the diploma, year-round.
Are tools included?
Graduates receive a 263-piece Sonic tool kit, and CAU pays the first attempt at the three FAA written tests.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in California
- Antelope Valley College - Lancaster
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) - Fremont
- Chaffey College - Rancho Cucamonga
- College of Alameda - Alameda
- Cuesta College - San Luis Obispo
- Gavilan College - San Martin
- Mt. San Antonio College - Walnut
- North Valley Occupational Center - Van Nuys
- Orange Coast College - Costa Mesa
- Reedley College - Reedley
- Sacramento City College - Sacramento
- San Bernardino Valley College - San Bernardino
- San Diego Miramar College - San Diego
- San Joaquin Valley College - Fresno
- Solano Community College - Vacaville
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology - Inglewood & Riverside
- Universal Technical Institute - Long Beach
- Victor Valley College - Victorville
- West Los Angeles College - Culver City