AT CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY, WE BELIEVE EACH PERSON IS CREATED FOR A PURPOSE.
CBU provides a Christ-centered education that unites academic excellence, spiritual growth and community to shape who you are and who you’re becoming.
You’ll be challenged to think deeply, live boldly and discover your calling, equipped to make a lasting impact in the world for God’s glory.
CORE FOUR VALUES
GLOBALLY MINDED
BIBLICALLY ROOTED EQUIPPED TO SERVE
The official slogan and hand signal of CBU. A gesture of pride, unity and belonging.
Lance the Lancer is the spirit of CBU in motion. Bold and energetic, he represents Lancer pride across athletics, events and campus life.
LANCE THE LANCER LANCE UP
THE KUGEL
The Kugel is a floating granite globe at the center of campus. A symbol of Christ’s Great Commission and the global mission of the University.
STUDENTS TOUCH THE KUGEL
• DURING WELCOME WEEKEND
• BEFORE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECTS (ISP)
• WHEN WALKING ACROSS THE STAGE AT GRADUATION
Through ISP experiences, students carry the meaning of the Kugel beyond campus serving globally and returning with a deeper sense of purpose, calling and impact.
80+ MAJORS ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
Choose from over 150 majors, minors, and concentrations designed to prepare you to lead with purpose.
MAJORS
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)
Biotechnology (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)
Integrated Science (BS)
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)
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
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)
Music (BA)
Music Education (BM)
Music for Worship Arts and Ministry (BA)
Performance and Pedagogy (BM)
Songwriting (BM)
Studio Production (BM)
Theatre (BA)
Curious about what it is like to study at CBU?
Sign up for an Academic Session
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.
LARGE IN RIVERSIDE LIVE
LARGE RIVERSIDE
12,516
“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
BIG ON
Watch a special message just for you
SPIRITUAL LIFE OPPORTUNITIES
Chapel — Weekly campus gathering with worship and biblical teaching
Spiritual Life Nights — Weekly gathering with teaching and spiritual encouragement
Worship Nights — Packed worship nights filled with passionate music and prayer
Bible Studies — Student-led groups exploring Scripture and building community
Discipleship Groups — Intentional groups focused on spiritual growth and accountability
Campus Ministry Team — Leadership community focused on evangelism, discipleship and spiritual growth
Local Service Opportunities — Serve locally while connecting with students and community
International Service Projects — The hallmark of spiritual growth at CBU: global service experiences focused on faith and outreach. Since 1997, nearly 6,000 participants have served in 67 countries, making a global impact as disciples who make disciples.
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.
EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCES
BIG WEST BUILT FOR THE
NCAA DI ATHLETICS
A new era of Lancer athletics begins: CBU steps onto a bigger Division I stage as a proud member of the Big West Conference in 2026-27.
• Baseball
• Basketball (M/W)
• Cheerleading*** (W)
• Cross Country (M/W)
• Dance*** (W)
• Golf (W)
• Soccer (M*/W)
• Softball
• STUNT** (W)
• Swimming* (W)
• Track (M/W)
• Volleyball (W)
• Water Polo (M/W)
*Competing in Pac-12
** Competing in MPSF
***Not official Division I sports
WEST
BIG ON PREPARATION BIG ON YOUR FUTURE
The Center for Career and Professional Development 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.
951
Employers Recruiting On Campus
1,550
Mock Interviews Conducted
4,518
Total Appointments Conducted (Virtual and On-Campus)
2,230
Resume, Cover Letter and LinkedIn Reviews
Where are CBU Alumni employed?
+ Abbott
+ Apple
+ Buffalo Bills
+ County of Riverside
+ ESRI
+ General Motors
+ Gensler
+ Lockheed Martin
+ Loma Linda University Hospital
+ Microsoft
+ NASA
+ Nickelodeon
+ Southwest Airlines
+ Space X
+ Tesla
+ The Walt Disney Company
Hannah Kellog
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT | SENSEABILITIES
GRADUATING YEAR: 2025
PROGRAM: COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS (BS)
“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.”
Samuel Sarantos
SALES ENGINEER | INTELLIEVENT
GRADUATING YEAR: 2025
PROGRAM: COMPUTER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (BS)
“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.”
FROM HI! TO HIRED!
UPPERCLASSMEN HOUSING
Go explore all our living locations
Upperclassmen 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!
YOU CAN LIVE ON CAMPUS ALL FOUR YEARS
BIG FLAVORS
ON-CAMPUS DINING
You’ll find one of the best college dining experiences in the nation right here at California Baptist University.
Explore our on-campus dining locations
CBU offers a campus dining experience designed to bring students together over incredible food, endless variety and a vibrant sense of community. From freshly prepared meals and flavors from across the globe, to quick grab-and-go options and specialty coffee spots, everything you need is just steps from where you live and learn.
FINANCIAL AID FIGURING OUT
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.
Class Accessibility
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.
What students are saying
“CBU is worth the investment because of the skills I’ve learned that have helped shape me not only as a young adult beginning my career but also as a follower of Christ. I feel incredibly blessed to be on a campus where people are praying for me and genuinely supporting me, which has strengthened my relationship with Jesus.”
Kate, BS in Elementary Education ‘26
“The CBU investment is worth it because the environment that CBU encourages is one of friendship and collaboration. The connections that I have made here are ones that have greatly benefited my growth in both my personal and professional development. As an engineering student, the friendships I have made with other engineers have given me new perspectives on challenges and solutions I would not have been aware of.”
Pason, BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering ‘26
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
CBU’s School Code
001125
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
Scan for net price calculator to estimate your aid
• Federal Direct Student Loan
• Federal Direct Parent Plus Loan
INSTITUTIONAL AID
Incoming Transfer** Academic Scholarships
• Transfer Platinum: $15,000 3.75 GPA and above
• Transfer Gold: $14,000
3.5–3.74 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 Sibling: $2,000 per year
• Transfer Blue: $13,000
3.0–3.49 GPA
• Transfer Bronze: $11,000
2.5–2.99 GPA
Department and Major-Specific Scholarships
Department
• Drama
• Music • Speech / Debate
Major-Specific
• Applied Theology
• Architecture
• Art Therapy Studies
• Broadcast and Digital Media Production
• School of Christian Ministries (Double Major)
• Computer Science
• Construction Management
• Data Science
• Digital Media Communication
• Engineering
• Film and Cinematic Arts
• Fine Art
• Graphic Design and Visual Experience
• Illustration and Entertainment Design
• Interior Design
• Journalism
• Photography
• Public Relations
WE’RE OFTEN ASKED
How will my units transfer?
How long will it take me to graduate?
How much will it cost to attend CBU?
What’s the benefit of transferring to CBU?
To find answers to these questions and view a list of all schools with transfer agreements, visit calbaptist.edu/transfer
Top 10 Colleges Students Transfer From:
1. Riverside City College
2. Chaffey College
3. Mt. San Jacinto College
4. Norco College
5. Mt. San Antonio College
6. Crafton Hills College
7. Moreno Valley College
8. San Bernardino Valley College
9. College of the Desert
10. Orange Coast College
STUDENT PROFILE
Garrett Alura
“I didn’t think moving to another school would make that much of a difference. I went through different community colleges just to try and figure out what I wanted to do, and even when I settled on something everything else still seemed so daunting. Getting to CBU helped me see that this whole thing can be fulfilling, encouraging, and exciting, and having God in the center of it helps keep me grounded. Any other school wouldn’t have given me the same experience.”
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Transfer Admissions Counselors:
CBU’s Admissions Office is here to assist you through the application process and answer any questions that you have along the way. Transfer-specific Admissions Counselors can be reached directly by calling 951.343.4212.
Transfer Planning Tools:
To better understand which classes transfer to CBU, please reference Unofficial Transcript Evaluations, Transferology and other helpful resources at calbaptist.edu/transfer.
Center for Career and Professional Development:
The Center for Career and Professional Development is committed to connecting your education with career opportunities after graduation through planning, professional development and internships so that you are prepared to live your purpose. To see how they can kick-start your career, visit calbaptist.edu/career.
Office of Student Success:
CBU is committed to seeing you succeed academically and provides free tutoring, study groups and workshops. Additionally, if you excel in a particular subject, you may be eligible to work as a tutor! Learn more at calbaptist.edu/oss.
Veterans:
CBU is a Yellow Ribbon school. For more information on veteran benefits, visit calbaptist.edu/veterans.
CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY HOW TO APPLY TO
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
• Create an account at www.calbaptist.edu/ tradapply. The Undergraduate Admissions Office upholds a rolling admission policy, meaning there is no set deadline for applying.
• Essay
• $45 Application fee
• Send us your official transcripts
LANCER SELECT
• Apply early for special perks
• Students who complete their Fall 2027 CBU application by December 1 will receive an early decision and the opportunity to become members of Lancer Select! Learn more at calbaptist.edu/lancerselect