Scholarships and Grants

Incoming Freshmen*

Trustees Scholarship - $18,000
4.0 GPA and above

Presidents Scholarship - $17,000
3.9-3.99 GPA

Deans Scholarship - $16,000
3.3-3.89 GPA

Directors Scholarship - $14,000
2.95-3.29 GPA

*Award amounts listed are for students enrolling for the first time at California Baptist University in Fall 2026, and are based on a students cumulative weighted GPA. These scholarships are guaranteed if academic requirements are met. Renewable if a minimum of a 2.0 GPA is maintained. Please refer to previous catalogs for scholarship/grant awarding information for enrollment that began prior to Fall 2026.

Incoming Transfers*

Transfer Platinum - $15,000
3.75 GPA and above

Transfer Gold - $14,000
3.5-3.74 GPA

Transfer Blue - $13,000
3.0-3.49 GPA

Transfer Bronze - $10,000
2.5-2.99 GPA

*To be considered a transfer student you must have completed 24 or more units from a regionally accredited college or university. These scholarships are renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained. Award amounts listed are for students enrolling for the first time at California Baptist University starting Fall 2026.

**Institutional aid is typically not available for online or graduate students.

Federal Pell Grant - Up to $7,395 per year

This is a federal program and is awarded based upon financial need as determined by FAFSA.

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

FSEOG is a federal grant designed to assist students with the highest need as determined by the FAFSA. Funds are limited. For more information click here.

IASG/ CFH (Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant/ Children of Fallen Heros)
The IASG and CFH scholarships allow for the full Pell Grant if you are not already eligible based on your SAI. The IASG is for students whose Parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. The CFH scholarship is for students whose parents were public safety officers (police/fire/etc.) and died in the line of duty.

2024–25 Academic Year and on:
As part of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the Special Rule for Pell Grants replaces the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (IASG) and the Children of Fallen Heroes (CFH) Scholarship. Under this new provision, students may qualify for additional Pell Grant eligibility if they:

Are under 33 years old as of January 1 of the FAFSA award year, and
Indicate on the FAFSA that their parent or guardian died in the line of duty while:
- Serving on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001, or
- Actively serving as a public safety officer and performing official duties.
  - If you answered “Yes” to this question on your FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will request the required documentation through Student Forms.

Once eligibility is verified, qualifying students will receive a maximum Pell Grant, adjusted for their enrollment intensity, regardless of their Student Aid Index (SAI).

For more information on the IASG, click here.

Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program is a federally-funded, need-based, campus-based work program designed to assist students through part-time employment on-campus or with approved off-campus sites. Eligibility is based on a student’s financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA. Funding and availability is limited and not guaranteed. FWS funds are not disbursed separately to the student, nor applied to the students account; they are included in the student’s regular paycheck.

Once you have enrolled in classes at CBU, you can obtain an employment application from the Career Center. Students should have their application reviewed by the Financial Aid office for FWS eligibility before submitting the application.

Once employment is obtained and if the student is awarded FWS, the student will be notified by the Financial Aid Office. Visit the Career Center's website for additional instructions on applying for an on-campus job.

You’ll be paid through CBU payroll for the hours you work. FWS funds do not apply directly to your tuition bill—they are earned as wages.

Contact your Financial Aid Counselor or Amy Gwilt with any FWS-related questions.

For more information on Federal Work Study, click here.

Cal Grants
Cal A: $9,358 per year
Cal B: $9358 per year ($1,648* for first-year recipients) to $11,006 per year

*If you receive Cal B as a freshman, CBU will provide a "Cal B Assist" in the amount of $7,710 ($9,358 total), not available for online students.

Cal Grant is funded by the State of California and awarded to residents who meet GPA and financial criteria. To be considered, students must submit a FAFSA form and complete FPA Verification. Your high school may submit a GPA verification form to the state on your behalf. Check with your high school's counseling office to confirm that it is sent by March 2. Transfer student click here for more information on the GPA verification process.

Track your application and make any changes to your information.

*This amount is based on state funding and is subject to change pending budget approval.

For more information on Cal Grant click here.

Chafee Grant - Up to $4,500 per year

The California Chafee Grant program provides grants to foster youth and former foster youth to assist with college costs. Recipients must be or have been eligible for Independent Living Program (ILP) Services between their 16th and 18th birthdays and have completed a FAFSA. For further qualifications and information, visit the California Student Aid Commission website.

DREAM Act
If you meet AB540 requirements, submit a California DREAM Act Application to determine if you qualify for the Cal Grant (amounts listed in the Cal Grant section above). The deadline to apply is March 2.

Submit the DREAM Act Application.
Complete the GPA Verification Form.

Your high school or current college will complete the bottom portion, see www.csac.ca.gov or call (888) 224-7268 for more details.

Award amount depends on the program for which you qualify (Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B) as well as the specific year of your initial award. All Cal Grant offers will be set at $9,358 a year but are subject to change based on state funding and enrollment status.

For more information on the DREAM Act, click here or see the FAQ.

CalKIDS - Up to $1,500 per year

$500 for students that attended a public school in California and were identified as low income. Additional funds for foster and homeless students.

Check here to see if you qualify here.

You will need your Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), often found on high school transcripts, through your high school’s parent portal, or by contacting your high school.

Once registered, you can request funds be sent to CBU on your behalf.

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents (LEPD) Grant - Up to $11,006 per year

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD) provides a need-based educational grant to dependents and spouses of employees who lost their lives in the line of duty or were totally disabled due to an accident or injury incurred in the performance of duty in the following professions:

Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice
Firefighters
Law Enforcement
Tribal Firefighters

More information and the application to apply can be found here.

Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG)
Golden State Teacher Grant Program - 2025-26 Application Now Open
The Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG) application for the 2025-2026 academic year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026) is now open. Students who plan to pursue their preliminary teaching credential or pupil personnel services credential are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Due to recent state budget changes, CSAC may update eligibility or award requirements. We will share any new information as it becomes available.
You can access the application and program details here:

CSAC Golden State Teacher Grant Program - https://www.csac.ca.gov/golden-state-teacher-grant-program

Program Overview:
The GSTG provides grant funding to students enrolled in a Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved professional preparation program leading to a preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.

Payment Contingency:
GSTG awards are dependent on state funding and processed on a first-come, first-served basis for applicants who have submitted a signed Service Agreement (SA). If available funds run low, the final award may be issued at a reduced or partial amount.
Students interested in receiving funding for the 2025-26 year should apply immediately to ensure the best chance of being considered.

CBU Promise
Incoming students beginning at CBU during the Fall 2026 semester will receive at minimum $10,000 in CBU Gift aid (does not stack with other institutional aid).

CBU Grant
Based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA and coordinated with all other sources of aid. Therefore, if a student receives additional federal, state or institutional funds, the CBU Grant may be reduced or eliminated. Only available to students who have completed a FAFSA.

CBU Cal B Assistance - $7,710 for the first year.
Available only to students who qualify for the Cal Grant B Program and are receiving only the Access portion in their first year.

Minister's Kin - $3,250 per year
The Minister’s Kin Scholarship assists the dependent children of evangelical ministers. The recipient must be the dependent child of a minister engaged in full-time service as a pastor, chaplain or missionary. For further information, contact the Admissions Office at (877) 228-8866.

Multiple Sibling - $2,000 per year
For families with two or more members who are simultaneously attending the traditional undergraduate program on a full-time basis. Siblings must be considered dependent according to FAFSA. For further information, contact the Admissions Office at (877) 228-8866.

Lancer Loyalty Grant - $500 - $3,000 per year
The Lancer Loyalty Graduate School Grant is available to CBU alumni who want to advance their education as a graduate student at CBU. This grant is awarded based on academic merit, financial need and the graduate program you select.

Global Initiatives Grant
A need based grant for international students; available to all degree-seeking levels. For further information, new students please contact International Admissions at international@calbaptist.edu. Continuing student please contact International Student & Scholar Services at ISSS@calbaptist.edu.

*Institutional aid is typically not available for online or graduate students unless specified.

Departmental and Major Scholarships

Drama Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded for participation in department productions, the drama ministry or Team CELEBRATION! For further information, contact the theatre department at (951) 343-4319.

Theatre Arts Scholarships - Up to $1,000 per year
Scholarships are awarded to participants in department productions, whether as actors or crew members. For further information, contact Theatre Arts at theatrearts@calbaptist.edu or (951) 343-4319

Journalism Scholarships - Up to $2,000 per year
Scholarships are available for Journalism majors and minors. For further information, contact the department at mpearson@calbaptist.edu or (951) 552-8186.

Public Relations Scholarships - Up to $2,000 per year
Scholarships are available for Public Relations majors and minors. For further information, contact the department at mpearson@calbaptist.edu or (951) 552-8186.

Speech and Debate Scholarships - Up to $2,000 per year
Scholarships are awarded based on participation in the CBU Speech and Debate team. For further information, contact the Department of Communication Arts at communicationarts@calbaptist.edu or (951)343-4964.

Broadcast and Digital Media Production Scholarship - Up to $2,000 per year
Scholarships are awarded based on work for one or more of the following student media productions: CBU TV, Lancers Noticias, and Lancer Sports. For further information, contact the Department of Communication Arts at communicationarts@calbaptist.edu or (951)343-4964.

Music Scholarships
Auditions can be arranged throughout the year. Students are expected to have prepared a selection that shows their range and ability. All styles are accepted. Instrumentalists will be required to sight read. Contact the School of Performing Arts at (951) 343-4251.

Bachelors of Applied Theology (BAT)
For further information, please contact contact the department at (951) 343-4248 or maturner@calbaptist.edu.

School of Christian Ministries Double Major Scholarship
For students who have declared a double major in a School of Christian Ministries program and any other program. For more information, contact the department at (951) 343-4248 or maturner@calbaptist.edu.

College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design Scholarships
For incoming first-year & transfer students, please contact Admissions at admissions@calbaptist.edu.
For continuing students please contact Director of Academic Operations, Rene Lopez, at rlopez@calbaptist.edu or (951) 552-8910.

Engineering Scholarships - Ranging from $500 to $5,000 per year
For further information, contact the College of Engineering at coescholarships@calbaptist.edu.

Donor Scholarships

Scholarships that are generously provided by CBU donors and alumni for students who have completed one year of study, and will be continuing their undergraduate or graduate studies next academic year. For more information please click here.

Preferred District Scholarship

Student graduating from a preferred district high school and are an incoming student for CBU's undergraduate main campus program in Fall 26 and on are guaranteed at least $12,000 in CBU Gift aid. (does not stack with other institutional aid). For more information please contact your Admissions Counselor.

Preferred Partnership Scholarship

California Baptist University has partnered with select employers to provide their employees a 20% tuition scholarship. For a list of partners and more information please click here.
*Available for the Undergraduate Main campus and Graduate Main Campus and Online Programs.

*Institutional aid is typically not available for online or graduate students.

Private scholarships are those offered from organizations, foundations or companies, usually not affiliated with a university. CBU student have have access to our outside scholarships resource Scholarship Universe.

To learn more about Scholarship Universe please click here.

W-9 Information

All W-9 requests and inquiries must be emailed to finaid@calbaptist.edu.