About
California Baptist University, one of the top Christian Colleges in the nation, is a private Christian university located near Los Angeles in Southern California.
In This Section
California Baptist University believes each person has been created for a unique purpose.
CBU strives to help students understand and engage this purpose by providing a Christ-centered educational experience that integrates academics with spiritual and social development opportunities. Graduates are challenged to become individuals whose skills, integrity and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish them in the workplace and in the world.
California Baptist University is one of the top private Christian colleges and universities in Southern California. CBU offers associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and credential programs in Riverside, San Bernardino and online.
State of the University 2024
LOCATION: Riverside, California
FOUNDED BY: Los Angeles Southern Baptist Association
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: California Southern Baptist Convention
RECOGNITION: 2023 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional University
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
- Board of Behavioral Science Examiners
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
- National Association of Schools of Music
- State of California Board of Registered Nursing
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
- Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Board of Registered Nurses
- American Council for Construction Education
- CBU’s bachelor degree programs in civil engineering (BSCE), electrical and computer engineering (BSECE) and mechanical engineering (BSME) have been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Key Facts
2 Associate's Programs
41 Master's Programs
162 Acres
1950 Year Founded108 Bachelor's Programs
9 Doctoral Programs
11,931 Enrollment
100% Christian Faculty and Staff
A Beautiful Campus
Our beautiful 162-acre main campus is situated in the heart of Riverside's historic Magnolia Avenue district just a short drive from popular beaches and mountain resorts. The campus maintains the charm of the mission revival style while incorporating modern, technologically advanced facilities. The most recent architectural additions to campus are the 5,050-seat Events Center and the four-story apartment complex, Magnolia Crossing.
A Division I Athletics Program
California Baptist University began a successful transition to NCAA Division I after winning its first-ever Learfield Directors’ Cup in 2018. CBU's Lancers athletic program is gaining recognition as one of the best in the nation with numerous regional and national championship teams in a variety of sports.
A Spiritual Mission
In addition to community involvement through a variety of service projects and activities, California Baptist University also supports a wide range of highly active international programs. The CBU International Service Projects program annually sends scores of student teams throughout the world to teach and participate in recreation, construction and infrastructure.
CBU in the Region
CBU has established a reputation of excellence throughout the Inland Empire and beyond. School districts, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, churches and businesses seek out and hold CBU graduates in high regard for their unique combination of competence, confidence and compassion.