LIVE A STORY THAT MATTERS
Admissions Guide 25-26
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
2017
CBU opens its campus event center, now named the Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler Events Center
2025 75th anniversary celebrated Chapter 75
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.
are offered here
Choose from over 150 academic programs that prepare you to lead with purpose.
Discover your path. Write your future.
College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design
Architecture (BA/M.Arch)
Art Education (BA)
Art Therapy Studies (BA)
Film and Cinematic Arts (BA)
Fine Art (BA)
Graphic Design and Visual Experience (BA)
Illustration and Entertainment Design (BA)
Interior Design (BA)
Photography (BA)
College of Arts and Sciences
Actuarial Science (BS)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BS)
Biology (BS)
Biomedical Sciences (BS)
Broadcast and Digital Media Production (BA)
Chemistry (BS)
Communication Studies (BA)
Creative Writing (BFA)
Criminal Justice (BS)
Digital Media Communication (BA)
English (BA)
Environmental Science (BS)
Forensic Chemistry (BS)
Foundational Mathematics (BS)
History (BA)
International Studies (BA)
Journalism (BA)
Mathematics (BS)
Pharmaceutical Sciences (BS)
Political Science (BA)
Public Relations (BA)
Spanish (BA)
Sports Analytics (BS)
Statistics and Data Analytics (BA)
World Languages (BA)
Curious about what it is like to study at CBU?
Sign up for an Academic Session
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Anthropology (BA)
Behavioral Science (BA)
Christian Behavioral Science (BA)
Psychology (BA)
Social Work (BSW)
Sociology (BA)
Sport and Performance Psychology (BS)
College of Engineering
Aviation Flight (BS)
Aviation Management (BS)
Biomedical Engineering (BSBME)
Chemical Engineering (BSChE)
Civil Engineering (BSCE)
Computer Science (BCS)
Construction Management (BS)
Data Science (BS)
Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE)
Engineering (BSE)
Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
College of Health Science
Communication Sciences and Disorders (BS)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (BS)
Exercise Science (BS)
Health Science (BS)
Healthcare Administration (BS)
Health and Human Sciences (BS)
Kinesiology (BA)
Nutrition and Food Sciences (BS)
Physical Therapist Assistant (AS)
Public Health (BS)
Radiography (BS)
Sport Management (BS)
College of Nursing
Nursing (BSN)
School of Business
Accounting (BS)
Business Administration (BS)
Entrepreneurship (BS)
Finance (BS)
Marketing (BS)
School of Christian Ministries
Applied Theology (BAT)
Christian Studies (BA)
Intercultural Studies (BA)
Philosophy (BA)
School of Education
Early Childhood Studies (BA)
Elementary Education (BS)
Liberal Arts (BA)
School of Performing Arts
Commercial Performance (BM)
Composition for Stage and Screen (BM)
Instrumental Performance (BM)
Music (BA)
Music Education (BM)
Music for Worship Arts and Ministry (BA)
Piano Performance (BM)
Songwriting (BM)
Studio Production (BM)
Theatre (BA)
Vocal Performance (BM)
Wanting to get a headstart?
Visit calbaptist.edu/campaigns/pcc to learn how to earn accredited college credit now as a high school sophomore, junior or senior.
RIVERSIDE
CBU is located in the heart of Riverside, a vibrant community of more than 330,000 nestled between Southern California’s coastline and mountain ranges. With more than 280 days of sunshine, countless hiking trails, local coffee shops, concerts and cultural gems, Riverside is the perfect place to live, learn and explore.
YOUR STORY
CBU’s campus is rated among the highest in California.
Join us on a customized tour or a campus preview event.
Tours and Information Sessions:
• Campus Tours
• Living Area Tours
• Academic Sessions
• Financial Aid Information Sessions
ZeeMee: California Baptist University
High School Seniors
High School Juniors
Accepted Students
High School Students and College Transfers
THE IDEAL FIT FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
11,931
6,576
162
TOTAL STUDENTS
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
CAMPUS ACRES
21:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
87 Majors and Counting
100% of Incoming Students Receive Financial Aid
70+ Clubs and 4-5 On-Campus Events Per Week
12 Dining Options
NCAA Division 1 Athletics
ROOTED in A story FAITH
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
CONNECT WITH US
cbu_sl
Opportunities to grow in your faith:
• Chapel
• Discipleship Group Opportunities
• Local Outreach Opportunities
› Operation Christmas Child
› Children’s Hunger Fund
› Serve Days
› Urban Excursion
• Global Outreach Opportunities
› International Service Projects
• Men’s and Women’s Ministries
• Student Leadership and Internship Opportunities
The stories you’ll tell
FOREVER
Community Life’s goal is to enhance the student experience through purposeful programs and services such as intramural sports, outdoor adventure trips, on-campus events, off-campus excursions, cultural celebrations, commuter programs and student clubs. CONNECT
We Love Traditions
• Christmas Tree Lighting
• Fall Festival
• Fortuna Bowl
• International Celebration Week
• Lancer Madness
• WooFest
• Yule
SCAN ME
WE GO CRAZY
Join the CBU Crazies - the student fan sectionat all of CBU’s D1 athletic games
CONNECT WITH US cbulancers
NCAA D1 Athletics
Students can attend any home athletics game for free. Come and join over 3,000 people in the Events Center and cheer the Lancers on to victory! All 21 sports offer athletic scholarships.
• Baseball
• Basketball (M/W)
• Cheerleading (W)
• Cross Country (M/W)
• Dance (W)
• Golf (M/W)
• Soccer (M/W)
• Softball
• Stunt (W)
• Swimming/Diving (M/W)
• Track (M/W)
• Volleyball (W)
• Water Polo (M/W)
• Wrestling (M)
CHECK OUT ALL OF OUR TEAMS AT cbulancers.com
The Career Center partners with students in aligning their education and career pursuits by providing opportunities for individual planning, professional development and hands-on experience in their chosen profession.
1,449
Mock Interviews Conducted
2,489
Resumé, Cover Letter and LinkedIn Reviews
4,260
Total Appointments Conducted (Virtual and On-Campus)
CONNECT WITH US
cbucareercenter
897 Employers Recruiting On Campus
Where are CBU Alumni employed?
+ Abbott
+ Apple
+ Buffalo Bills
+ County of Riverside
+ ESRI
+ General Motors
+ Lockheed Martin
+ Loma Linda University Hospital
+ Microsoft
+ NASA
+ Nickelodeon
+ Southwest Airlines
+ Space X
+ Tesla
+ The Walt Disney Company
From HI! To HIRED!
Hannah Kellogg
APRIL 2025, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
“The Career Center was instrumental in helping me prepare for life after graduation. Their resources and guidance helped me craft a strong, professional resumé and build confidence for interviews. Participating in a mock interview gave me practical experience and helped me learn how to highlight my strengths and stand out to employers.”
Speech Language Pathologist Assistant | SenseAbilities
Samuel Sarantos
APRIL 2025, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
“The Career Center’s one-on-one appointments gave me practical advice for interviews, and their resumé workshops helped me refine my application materials and land me offers.”
Sales Engineer | IntelliEvent
FOR MORE INFORMATION calbaptist.edu/career
For 75 years, CBU has shaped lives through purpose-filled learning, faith and community.
Students don’t just earn degrees, they live stories that matter.
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 doubleoccupancy 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.
The Cottages
Smith Hall
CHECK OUT OUR FRESHMAN HOUSING OPTIONS HERE
Tower Hall
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.
The Village
Tower 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!
DID YOU KNOW
You can live on campus all four years
Start your story as a Lancer
Create an Application
Apply online at calbaptist.edu/apply . We offer rolling admission which means there is no application deadline; we will accept applications throughout the year.
Write a Brief Essay
The application includes a 3–5 paragraph essay, asking “What do you hope to gain from your experience as a student at California Baptist University?” Provide examples from an academic, social and spiritual standpoint.
Pay the $45 Application Fee
This fee is nonrefundable and can be paid online in the application portal.
Send Us Your Official Transcripts
High School Students:
Have your high school send official, sealed transcripts to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Official transcripts emailed by school administrators are also acceptable. Test scores for the SAT/ACT/CLT will not be considered for admission to CBU. However, if you have already taken the SAT/ACT/CLT, you can still submit your scores for English/math placement.
Transfer Students:
Official transcripts need to be provided from all colleges and universities you have attended. If you have less than 24 collegiate level units, we also require official high school transcripts.
A special group for our early admitted fall 2026 Lancers.
Take advantage of early access to preview events, an expedited financial aid offer, a discount to the CBU Campus Store and much more! In order to be eligible for Lancer Select, you must submit your fall 2026 CBU application and all required admissions items by the priority application deadline of December 5!
Why invest in CBU?
Personalized Care
As a student-centric university, we do our best to provide clarity and support to what can be a confusing process. Feel free to reach out to your Admissions Counselor with any questions!
Robust Financial Aid
CBU offers unique scholarship and grant opportunities for our students. From academic and major-specific scholarships, to need-based grants, there are many resources to help finance your educational investment.
What students are saying
“The CBU investment is worth it because the relationships you will build with your professors will allow you to not only achieve your goals academically, but also set you up for success in whatever future career you aspire to.”
- Lillian, Class of 2022
At CBU, none of our programs are impacted, which means students have the opportunity to get the classes they need and ultimately graduate within four years.
“CBU is worth investing in because of the high quality of academics and the personal, hands-on experience that students receive from staff and faculty. Students are challenged in ways that promote spiritual growth and have the opportunity to get involved whether it’s through clubs, events or ministries that create memories that will last a lifetime.”
- Gina, Class of 2023
Financial Assistance Types of
CBU 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
Grants Loans
• 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
CBU’s School Code
• Federal Direct Student Loan
• Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan
Institutional Aid
Incoming Freshmen* Academic Scholarships
• Trustees Scholarship: $17,000
4.0 GPA and above
• 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
Need-Based Grants
• 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
• Multiple Siblings: $2,000 per year
Incoming Transfer** Academic Scholarships
• Transfer Platinum: $13,000 3.75 GPA and above
• Transfer Gold: $12,000
3.5–3.74 GPA
• Transfer Blue: $11,000
3.0–3.49 GPA
• Transfer Bronze: $9,000
2.5–2.99 GPA
Department and Major-Specific Scholarships
Department
• Drama
• Music • Speech / Debate
Major-Specific
• Architecture
• Art Therapy Studies
• School of Christian Ministries (Double Major)
• Computer Science
• Construction Management
• Data Science
• Engineering
• Film and Cinematic Arts
• Fine Art
• Graphic Design and Visual Experience
• Illustration and Entertainment Design
• Interior Design
• Journalism
• Photography
• Public Relations
HOW TO
Ready to Write Your
NEXT CHAPTER?
Take these next steps toward living your purpose:
Connect With Us
Explore what life at CBU is like from current students, hear about important events and connect with other students interested in CBU.
ZeeMee: California Baptist University
cbu_futurelancers
Ask Questions
Learn more about the majors that interest you and the careers that those majors can lead to by making an appointment to speak with a CBU Admissions Counselor or professor.
Check Out Our Campus
Schedule a visit to CBU and we’ll show you all of the opportunities available to you. If you can’t visit in person, check out our virtual visit options at calbaptist.edu/visitCBU.
Apply to CBU
When you submit your application, a friendly and knowledgeable Admissions Counselor will work with you personally to guide you through the process.
Undergraduate Admissions
951.343.4212
admissions@calbaptist.edu
