California Baptist University

California Baptist University (CBU) is a private nonprofit university in Riverside, California, affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. Its 162-acre main campus combines residential undergraduate life with a broad academic portfolio, while graduate and online options extend the university’s reach to working adults. The defining choice for a prospective student is not simply which major to pursue: CBU integrates a Christian faith commitment into campus life, and on-campus undergraduates have specific chapel obligations. That setting can suit students seeking a faith-centered community, but it deserves a close look before committing.

Programs and choosing a path

CBU organizes its programs across schools and colleges in architecture and visual arts, arts and sciences, behavioral and social sciences, engineering, health science, nursing, business, Christian ministries, education, and performing arts. Students can study nursing, business, psychology, education, engineering, aviation, social work, architecture, music, and many other fields at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, certificate, and credential levels. Some programs are on campus, some online, and some offer more than one format; licensure and clinical-placement requirements vary by degree. Use CBU’s program finder to check current offerings and modality, then ask the department about prerequisites, clinical or field placements, and the exact route to professional licensure before applying.

Admissions and campus life

Spring and Fall 2027 undergraduate applications are open. First-year, transfer, international, graduate, and online applicants follow different requirements, so begin with the application route for your intended program and confirm which transcripts, test scores, recommendations, or other materials it requests. The university’s undergraduate admissions page links to the application, counselor contacts, information requests, and campus visits; the general undergraduate admissions office can be reached at (951) 343-4212 or admissions@calbaptist.edu.

For on-campus undergraduates taking at least seven units, the current student handbook requires 15 chapel credits each semester. The handbook describes the attendance and participation rules and provides a process to request an alternative arrangement in qualifying circumstances. Student accounts and published student comments describe a close campus community and supportive faculty, while some reviewers raise concerns about the overall price, getting clear financial-aid guidance, or support in particular programs. Those experiences are individual, but they point to useful questions: ask how chapel fits your timetable, what support your specific major offers, and what the net price would be after your actual grants and scholarships.

Tuition, scholarships, and aid

For 2026–27, CBU estimates annual undergraduate tuition of $42,264 for 13–18 units, fees of $2,460, and shared housing with the minimum residential meal plan at $13,218. The university’s stated annual total for those items is $57,942; books, transport, personal expenses, and other costs may add to the budget. First-time freshmen enrolling in Fall 2026 are eligible for GPA-based academic scholarships from $14,000 to $18,000 per year, with renewal tied to maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA. Transfer awards range from $11,000 to $15,000 for eligible students with at least 24 units and a qualifying GPA. These are award schedules, not a guarantee of the full cost being covered. Students may also apply for need-based grants, federal aid, and outside scholarships. Compare your own aid offer with the published cost and financial-aid information, and ask CBU’s financial-aid office at (951) 343-4236 about award renewal, deadlines, and how aid applies to your program.

Riverside campus and practical details

The main campus is at 8432 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504. CBU’s general telephone number is (877) 228-3615. Student Accounts lists weekday office hours of 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; in summer it closes at 4 p.m. on Fridays. Hours differ by department, so call the office you plan to visit before traveling. The university also lists a Health Science Campus at 3532 Monroe Street, a Nursing Annex at 3780 Adams Street, and a Wellness Center at 3626 Monroe Street, all in Riverside. Confirm with your department which address applies to classes, clinical work, counseling, or student services. CBU’s main social accounts include Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Accreditation and questions to settle

The WASC Senior College and University Commission lists CBU as institutionally accredited, with Riverside as its active main campus; its latest commission action shown is June 2025. Some professional programs also have their own approval or accreditation requirements. If you are pursuing nursing, teaching, counseling, engineering, or another regulated profession, verify the status of the specific degree and its licensure pathway. The WSCUC institutional record and the program’s own department are useful checks before enrolling.