About

About California Baptist University

faith-based missionmasters programshealth sciences focusaccessible admissions

California Baptist University is a private university in Riverside, CA, known for its faith-based mission, masters programs, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 80%, CBU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 1,303 students each year. CBU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 900–1190, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. CBU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $22,993 per year; the sticker price of $51,914 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

California Baptist University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

80%
Overall Accept Rate
3.50
Typical Admitted GPA
1045
Median Admitted SAT
GPATypical admitted range: 3.00 – 3.75 unweighted

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SATSubmitted score range: 900 – 1190 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 19 – 27

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to California Baptist University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
CBU rates essays as its highest priority factor, so treat your personal statement as a real conversation about how your faith and values shape your goals. Reviewers at CBU want to see genuine reflection on how your Christian worldview connects to your academic and career path, not a generic story.
Application Strategy
CBU is a Christian university with a mission centered on integrating faith and learning, so be intentional about referencing specific CBU programs, chapels, or ministry opportunities that align with your interests when filling out any additional information sections. Vague mentions of wanting a Christian environment are far less compelling than naming a specific college or initiative at CBU.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What California Baptist University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$52k/yr$22.3k
30k-48k~$52k/yr$21.9k
48k-75k~$52k/yr$22.6k
75k-110k~$52k/yr$26.2k
110k+~$52k/yr$34.0k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

60%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$52k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
19:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
7,764
Undergrad Enrollment