LIVE A STORY THAT MATTERS
MATTERS Live a Story That
For 75 years, California Baptist University has been a place where lives are shaped with purpose. Like a diamond, every life is formed through meaningful growth, intentional challenge and the work of becoming refined over time into something strong, beautiful and enduring.
At CBU, we believe you were made to live a story that matters.
A story formed through academics that prepare you for your calling, a community that supports you and a faith foundation that anchors everything you do. Here, students are not only academically prepared but also biblically rooted, globally minded and equipped to serve in a world that needs both conviction and compassion. As you step into your future, you’ll do more than earn a degree, you’ll begin to uncover the purpose you were made to live.
Celebrating Years of Purpose 75
1955
California Baptist College moved to the Riverside campus and introduced the Lancer as the official mascot
Chapter 01: In the Beginning
1950 Classes began for 42 students at First Southern Baptist Church in El Monte, CA
1998
California Baptist College officially became California Baptist University
2015
California Baptist University began offering doctoral programs transitioning into a doctoral-granting institution
2018
CBU Lancers begin competing in NCAA Division I athletics
2025
75th anniversary celebrated
2017
CBU opens its campus event center, now named the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center
2023
CBU tied for No. 1 in the country for career preparedness and No. 2 for best student experience in The Wall Street Journal’s 2024 ranking of the Best Colleges in the U.S.
on your acceptance to CBU! CONGRATS
Now that you’ve been accepted, what’s next?
This booklet is your step-by-step guide to becoming a CBU Lancer and preparing for your fall semester. Stay on track for your first day of class on:
September 8, 2026
Confirm your decision to enroll at CBU and find important documents and forms by visiting: calbaptist.edu/fall
A LANCER How to Become
Submit Your Intent to Enroll
Accepted to CBU? Confirm your intent to enroll through your acceptance email.
Finance Your Education
Explore grants, scholarships and loans with help from CBU’s Financial Aid team.
Apply for Housing
Living on campus? Apply online, create your profile and select your desired living area.
Attend Lancer Day
Discover if CBU is the right fit— connect with future students and attend breakout sessions tailored to your interests.
Sign up for New Student Class Registration
Register for classes virtually with guidance from Academic Advising.
Attend CBU Connect
Attend CBU Connect to meet Future Lancers and complete key enrollment steps. Optional, but encouraged.
Meet the Payment Due Date
Submit your Tuition and Fee Agreement and make payment arrangements to cover your balance.
Experience Welcome Weekend
This event is required for all new students to get connected to the campus community and your future classmates.
Connect with Other Future Lancers
Download ZeeMee to connect with future Lancers in the “Incoming Class of 2026” group chat.
We understand that making your college decision is a big step. At CBU, we’re committed to providing an excellent educational experience and opportunities for social and spiritual growth.
From the moment you enroll, you’ll be welcomed by 100% Christian faculty and staff who are committed to helping you live your purpose. With over 80 undergraduate majors, you will surely find one that prepares you for your career and calling.
Founded in 1950, CBU spans 162 acres and serves over 11,000 students. Our campus features modern classrooms, student housing, award-winning dining facilities and recent additions, including a 1,450-space parking structure, an expanded Recreation Center and the newest housing area, Magnolia Crossing—home to more than 500+ Lancers.
As you begin your journey at CBU, this booklet is designed to guide you through your next steps—from confirming your enrollment and applying for financial aid to registering for classes, securing housing and preparing for Welcome Weekend. If you have any questions, our Admissions team is here to support you every step of the way.
Again, congratulations on your acceptance to CBU. We look forward to seeing you become part of the Lancer Nation and wish you the best in your academic career.
Sincerely,
The Undergraduate Admissions Office
Undergraduate Admissions
951.343.4212
admissions@calbaptist.edu
Submit Your Intent to Enroll
Help us get ready for you! Let us know your intent to enroll by completing the form below so we can warmly welcome you as a new Lancer.
SUBMIT YOUR INTENT TO ENROLL calbaptist.edu/fall
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:19–20
offers a variety of financial resources to make Christian education affordable for everyone.
Government Aid
Government aid is awarded by both the state and federal government as determined by the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at fafsa.gov
• Cal Grant: Up to $9,358
To be considered, students must submit a FAFSA and the GPA Verification Form. For more information, go to csac.ca.gov.
• Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Up to $2,000
Institutional Aid
• Trustees Scholarship: $17,000 4.0 GPA and
• Presidents Scholarship: $16,000 3.9–3.99 GPA
• Deans Scholarship: $15,000 3.3–3.89 GPA
• Directors Scholarship: $13,000 2.95–3.29 GPA
• CBU Grant: A need-based grant awarded by CBU’s Financial Aid Office. Submitting a FAFSA is required to determine eligibility.
• CBU Cal B Assistance: $7,710 for the first year This is for students who qualify for Cal Grant B from the State of California.
• Minister’s Kin: $3,250 per year
• Drama
• Music • Speech / Debate
• Architecture
• Art Therapy Studies
• School of Christian Ministries (Double Major)
• Computer Science
• Construction Management
• Data Science
• Multiple Siblings: $2,000 per year Department Major-Specific
• Engineering • Film and Cinematic Arts •
Financial Aid Checklist
Use this checklist to navigate the financial aid process. Help is provided on the CBU website and from the Financial Aid Office.
Complete the FAFSA
Go to fafsa.gov to complete your application. CBU’s federal code is 001125. Federal grant amounts are based on the results of the FAFSA.
CA State Residents Apply for Cal Grant: March 2026
First, complete the GPA Verification Form at your high school or college. Then, submit your 2026–2027 FAFSA. Estimated Cal Grants are based on your GPA and family income until confirmed by the California Student Aid Commission (usually in May).
Review Your Financial Aid Offer
You’ll get a printed financial aid offer by mail and an email notification—view it online at calbaptist. edu/myaward using your InsideCBU login.
Complete and Turn in All Documents
After enrolling, regularly check your email and LancerMail for any missing documents or verification requests to complete your FAFSA
Accept Your Financial Aid Prior to the Start of Classes
After reviewing your financial aid on InsideCBU, accept, decline or reduce your aid as needed— if you can’t take action, check your email for missing documents.
Complete Your Tuition and Fee Agreement on InsideCBU Prior to the Start of Classes
As a new student, your Tuition and Fee Agreement and final payment arrangements must be made with the Student Accounts Office by: August 12, 2026
Set Up a Semester Payment Plan Prior to the Start of Classes
CBU offers an online semester payment plan.
If you are interested in this plan, visit the Student Accounts tab on InsideCBU.
Options to “Fill the Gap” Between the Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid
Financial aid helps make college more affordable, though it may not cover the full amount of tuition—CBU offers options to assist with any remaining costs.
Federal Educational Loans
Students who file a FAFSA and are accepted to CBU automatically prequalify for low-interest Federal Direct Loans—subsidized (no interest in school) or unsubsidized—with limits based on grade level and repayment typically after graduation. Direct Loan limits are based on grade level:
$5,500 (up to $3,500 Subsidized) — Freshman
$6,500 (up to $4,500 Subsidized) — Sophomore
$7,500 (up to $5,500 Subsidized) — Junior/Senior Cannot exceed maximum limits
Parent PLUS Loans
Parents can apply for a PLUS Loan at studentaid. gov for up to your cost of attendance; if denied, you are eligible for an additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
Private Educational Loans
You may apply for a private educational loan with a credit-worthy cosigner up to your remaining cost of attendance—visit InsideCBU for lender options and details.
Apply for Housing
Your CBU story begins in a space that feels like home. Choose from fully furnished housing in freshman halls to apartment-style living designed for comfort, connection and growth.
After submitting your housing application and $100 reservation fee, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Incoming freshmen can start choosing their living area and connect with peers, while transfer students will get details from Housing Services about room selection. CBU offers a variety of fully furnished living options for all students—visit our website for more info.
How to Apply for Housing
1. Fill out your online housing application at calbaptist.edu/ housingapp.
2. Pay your $100 housing reservation fee* by sending Housing Services a check or paying through CBU’s Payment Portal on InsideCBU.
*Your housing application will not be processed until we receive your housing reservation fee.
FRESHMEN
Living Options
Smith Hall and Simmons Hall
Smith Hall, our men’s dormitory, and Simmons Hall, our women’s dormitory, are both three-story buildings with each floor divided into four smaller communities called wings. Each wing consists of approximately 14 double-occupancy rooms and a common bathroom. Each floor has a spacious common area or lounge where residents can study and hang out.
The Cottages
The 16 cottages on campus can accomodate approximately 160 residents total. Each cottage has five bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen/common area and a laundry room.
Tower Hall provides suite-style living for freshman students. Each suite includes a living room, kitchenette, bathroom and one bedroom that will accommodate three students.
The Village
The Village is conveniently located near Brisco’s Café and offers a variety of suite-style living options. Suites include a living room, kitchenette, bathrooms and multiple bedrooms that can accommodate six to nine students.
Tower Hall
The Cottages
The Village
Tower Hall
Smith and Simmons Hall
UPPERCLASSMEN
Living Options
Upperclassman students have several different apartment-style living areas to choose from, many of which have been recently renovated. Residents have the opportunity to experience events and programs each semester that allow them to build community with their neighbors. Living on campus is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so make the most of it!
The average temperature in Riverside, CA is
perfect 79.5 degrees. Don’t forget your sunscreen and sunglasses!
The Colony
Magnolia Crossing
College Park
Attend Lancer Day
Now that you are accepted, you are invited to Lancer Day, a fullday spring preview event designed to help you explore CBU and celebrate those who have already committed.
Meet professors, attend breakout sessions with key campus offices, connect with future classmates, tour the campus and join the Choose CBU Party—where you can officially commit and kick off your next chapter. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
Sign Up for New Student Class Registration
During New Student Registration, Academic Advising’s Student Success Coaches will help you virtually enroll in classes and connect you with other campus resources including the Career Center and Community Life to help you succeed at CBU and beyond!
Attend CBU Connect
CBU Connect is a single-day event for incoming students to connect with future classmates, finalize enrollment steps with campus offices and enjoy personalized support from Admissions. Participants can join student and parent lunch sessions, get their ID photo taken with same-day pickup and access campus amenities early. Attendance is optional but highly recommended.
Meet the Payment Due Date
The Student Accounts Office at CBU helps you manage tuition payments and stay on track to graduate by offering payment arrangements and support with fees, due dates and refunds. You can easily review and manage your account online through InsideCBU by accessing the Student Accounts tab. Familiarizing yourself with these tools ensures timely payments and a smooth enrollment experience.
PAYMENT DUE DATE
Payment Due Date
To attend classes, students must complete the Tuition and Fee Agreement and make approved payment arrangements covering their full balance by the payment due date. Payment for the current semester must be settled before registering for future semesters. Students registering after the payment due date should promptly contact the Student Accounts Office to arrange payment.
FERPA
Students are responsible for covering tuition and fees each semester. If parents, grandparents or other individuals are assisting the student, the student will need to complete a FERPA Information Release Form giving the Financial Aid and Student Accounts offices permission to discuss their account details with the authorized individuals.
Housing Reservation Fee
To live on campus, you must submit a $100 housing reservation fee, which is applied to your overall student balance. Your housing application won’t be processed until the fee is received.
Approved Payment Options
• Single payment: Make in office or online through InsideCBU on the Student Accounts tab.*
• Automatic semester payment plan: Enroll online through InsideCBU on the Student Accounts tab.
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants and loans must be awarded and accepted.
* eCheck payments are accepted at no additional charge. Credit and debit card payments are accepted and a convenience fee will apply.
Student Accounts 951.343.4371
studentaccounts@calbaptist.edu
Get Connected at Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend kicks off your journey at CBU with events and activities designed to help you connect with campus resources, classmates, community and to Christ.
This required event is your first step in adjusting to college life and making lasting connections. To support your transition beyond the weekend, CBU offers the First-Year Experience (FYE) program. First-time freshmen who are not married and under 20 years of age will be placed in an FYE group with fellow new students.
Your FYE leaders and fellow members will be an important part of your Welcome Weekend and continue with you in the required FYE course during the fall semester. This course is designed to help first-time freshmen build skills like time management, budgeting and understanding personal strengths.
Transfer students and those 20 or older will also be placed in groups led by transfer FYE leaders who offer support and connection through activities and campus resources.
We’re excited to support your transition to CBU and are glad you’re part of the Lancer family!
