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UNITED STATES · RIVERSIDE

California Baptist University

private · Founded 1950 · Languages: en

In short

California Baptist University is a private Christian university in Riverside, California, offering undergraduate and graduate programs on-campus and online. It emphasizes a Christ-centered education with opportunities for spiritual growth, global engagement, and NCAA Division I athletics.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1950
Students: 12,516
International students: 700
Acceptance rate: 81%
Tuition (intl): €5–5k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Riverside, United States

California Baptist University (CBU) is a private Christian university located in Riverside, Southern California, committed to providing a Christ-centered educational experience. Founded in 1950, CBU aims to help students discover and engage with their unique purpose by integrating strong academics with spiritual and social development opportunities. The university offers a wide range of associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and credential programs, available both on-campus and online. CBU's academic environment emphasizes quality instruction, fostering both intellectual and spiritual growth. Graduates are encouraged to develop skills, integrity, and a sense of purpose that distinguishes them in their careers and in the world. The university provides a supportive community rooted in Christian values, with opportunities for Biblical teaching, weekly chapel services, Bible studies, and worship nights. Beyond academics, CBU promotes global engagement and service. Students have opportunities for cultural immersion through domestic and international travel, as well as various service projects within local communities and worldwide. The university boasts a beautiful 162-acre campus, blending mission revival architecture with modern facilities, and features a competitive NCAA Division I athletics program.

Why study here

Experience a Christ-centered education that integrates academics with spiritual and social development.
Benefit from quality instruction in an educational environment that fosters personal and spiritual growth.
Join a community devoted to Christ, with opportunities for Biblical teaching, chapel, Bible studies, and worship nights.
Engage in global experiences through domestic and international travel and service opportunities.
Prepare for a purpose-filled life and career through academically rigorous, hands-on programs.
Receive start-to-finish support from admissions counselors to financial aid and career services.

Student life

California Baptist University offers a vibrant campus community in Riverside, California, with NCAA Division I athletics, chapel services, worship nights, and numerous student clubs and ministry opportunities. Students benefit from a Christ-centered environment that balances academic rigor with spiritual growth, social activities, and service projects both locally and internationally.

Fees

InternationalInformation for international students specifically is not provided, but online undergraduate tuition is $520 per unit, or $6,240 per semester for full-time (4x 3-unit courses). Traditional on-campus undergraduate tuition is higher, roughly USD 36,000-38,000 per year before aid. Graduate and doctoral program fees vary by program and are available on the tuition and fee information document.

HomeDomestic and international students pay the same published tuition rates; the main difference for international students is eligibility for federal/state aid. On-campus undergraduate tuition is roughly USD 36,000-38,000 per year, with online programs charged per unit.

LivingStudents should budget approximately USD 12,000-16,000 per year for room, board, books, transportation, and personal expenses in Riverside, California, with on-campus housing available.

Online students do not pay the same price as traditional on-campus undergraduate students. Additional costs may include general semester fees, books, and graduation fees. Institutional aid is typically not available for online or graduate students. All students seeking federal or state financial aid are required to complete the FAFSA using CBU's school code 001125.

Admissions

Minimum GPA2.0 GPA for undergraduate admission; higher GPA required for merit scholarships

ApplicationOnline application with personal statement

TranscriptsOfficial high school or college transcripts required

ReferencesLetters of recommendation may be required for certain graduate programs

IELTS (Academic)Overall band score of 6.0 or higher typically required for international applicants.

TOEFL iBTAround 71-80 typically required (confirm specific program requirements).

Rankings

NicheTop 3 Best Christian College in California

NicheTop 15 Best Christian College in America

NicheTop 3 Best College Campus in America

U.S. News & World ReportTop 35 Best Regional University in the West (12th consecutive top 50 ranking)

Unnamed (Internal)#1 Largest Christian University in California

University scholarships

Trustees Scholarship (Incoming Freshmen)$18,000

Presidents Scholarship (Incoming Freshmen)$17,000

Deans Scholarship (Incoming Freshmen)$16,000

Directors Scholarship (Incoming Freshmen)$14,000

Transfer Platinum Scholarship (Incoming Transfers)$15,000

Transfer Gold Scholarship (Incoming Transfers)$14,000

Transfer Blue Scholarship (Incoming Transfers)$13,000

Transfer Bronze Scholarship (Incoming Transfers)$10,000

Federal Pell GrantUp to $7,395 per year

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)Up to $2,000 per year

Special Rule for Pell Grants (formerly IASG/CFH)Maximum Pell Grant (adjusted for enrollment intensity)

Accreditation

California Baptist University is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Additionally, various schools and colleges within CBU hold specific accreditations: * **College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design:** Master of Architecture program is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). * **College of Behavioral and Social Sciences:** Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Master of Science in Counseling Psychology curriculum is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Science Examiners (BBS). The Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). * **College of Nursing:** Nursing programs are approved by the Board of Registered Nurses (BRN) and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. * **Gordon and Jill Bourns College of Engineering:** Bachelor's degree programs in Civil Engineering (BSCE), Electrical and Computer Engineering (BSECE), and Mechanical Engineering (BSME) are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

This Bachelor of Arts program in Art Therapy Studies combines artistic skills with a passion for helping others, preparing you for a meaningful career. Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that uses the creative process, art-making, psychological theory, and human experience within a therapeutic relationship to improve well-being for individuals, families, and communities.

Bachelor's

Level

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What are the estimated annual costs for international students at California Baptist University?

On-campus undergraduate tuition is approximately USD 36,000-38,000 per year. Students should also budget around USD 12,000-16,000 annually for living expenses including room, board, books, transportation, and personal costs.

Does California Baptist University offer online programs for international students?

Yes, CBU offers online programs with tuition charged per unit. Online undergraduate tuition is $520 per unit, or $6,240 per semester for full-time study.

What are the English proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International applicants typically need an IELTS Academic overall band score of 6.0 or higher. For TOEFL iBT, a score around 71-80 is generally required, but it's advisable to confirm specific program requirements.

Are there scholarships available for international students at California Baptist University?

While specific scholarships for international students are not detailed, CBU offers various academic scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students based on GPA. Federal aid options like Pell Grants are available for eligible students who complete the FAFSA.

What is the campus environment like at California Baptist University?

CBU is a private Christian university with a 162-acre campus in Riverside, California. It offers a Christ-centered educational experience with opportunities for spiritual and social development, NCAA Division I athletics, and a supportive community.

Last updated 3 July 2026