California Prestige University

California Prestige University (CPU) is a private, nonprofit Christian university in Santa Fe Springs, California. It was known as Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America until 2024; the former seminary continues as a graduate school within CPU. That change matters to prospective students: CPU now lists undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, business, and ministry pathways, while its mission and many programs remain explicitly Christian. Its published formats include on-campus, blended, and online study, depending on the program.

Programs: compare the school before choosing a degree

CPU’s undergraduate programs include Theology, Global Business Administration, Education, Social Work, and Fine Arts. The Global Business Administration BA combines core business subjects with biblical studies and cross-cultural learning; the university describes the program as on-campus or blended. Graduate and professional offerings include counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, intercultural studies, contextual studies, and ministry degrees. The seminary school lists the Master of Divinity, including pathways in culturally competent pastoral leadership and professional chaplaincy, as well as Master of Arts and Doctor of Ministry programs. Its School of Business lists an MBA and graduate certificates in entrepreneurship, supply-chain management, and human resources. Since degree names, delivery formats, and professional approvals vary, check the current program page and catalog for the exact curriculum and the recognition applicable to your intended career. The undergraduate program directory links to the other schools and degree descriptions.

Tuition, scholarships, and federal aid

CPU publishes separate tuition and fee information, a net-price calculator, and financial-aid guidance; the calculator estimates 2026–27 costs for first-time, full-time undergraduates and should not be treated as a final award. The university reports that 80% of its full-time first-time undergraduates received grant or scholarship aid in 2026–27. CPU also lists scholarships for eligible students, including tuition discounts for pastors, missionaries, spouses or siblings of full-time students, and certain first-generation students, subject to enrollment, GPA, application deadlines, and committee review. Some awards have distinct eligibility rules for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Students may also qualify for federal grants, loans, or work-study by completing the FAFSA. Ask the Financial Aid Office to confirm which awards apply to your program and request a written estimate that includes fees and any online or student-portal charges. Start with CPU’s scholarship eligibility and aid page and net-price calculator.

Accreditation and questions to resolve

CPU says it is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) to grant certificates and degrees at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. ABHE’s recognition by the U.S. Department of Education does not include doctoral education, a distinction applicants should understand when comparing doctoral credentials. The university also identifies its Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America unit as accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS); ATS lists that unit in good standing and identifies approved MDiv, MA in Counseling Psychology, MA in Intercultural Studies, and DMin degrees. Because these approvals apply to particular institutions and degree levels, confirm the status of the specific program you plan to enter, especially if you need licensure, denominational recognition, transfer credit, or further doctoral study. CPU’s approval and accreditation page explains the school’s disclosures.

Campus, contact, and application

The main campus is at 15605 Carmenita Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670. CPU’s published office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; it lists no Saturday or Sunday hours. Call (562) 926-1023 before traveling to confirm that the office and the program you need are available. The California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education’s 2024 annual report lists no branch locations and one satellite location but does not identify that satellite by name in the public summary; the current public location information does not verify an additional student-facing campus. CPU provides separate application routes for bachelor’s and master’s programs, doctoral study, and other pathways. Use the university’s application page to choose the right form, or contact Admissions if you are unsure which school administers your intended program.

Student perspectives and fit

CPU’s public materials emphasize its Christian mission, multilingual community, and support for students balancing study with ministry or work. Independent student-review coverage is limited, so online comments do not provide a broad basis for judging classroom experience or graduate outcomes. The university publishes a student-satisfaction survey result; prospective students can use it as one institutional source, then ask Admissions to connect them with a current student or graduate in the same program. Useful questions include how often courses meet in person, how online and blended sections are supported, what fieldwork or practicum is required, and whether a degree meets the licensing or denominational requirements you have in mind.