Frequently Asked Questions
General
Completion will depend on transfer work and pace of attendance but most programs can be completed within 16 months. This is based on a full-time course load and prior completion of general education and elective requirements.
California Baptist University (CBU), which includes all programs offered online, is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Many prospective students are uncertain about which college degrees employers or universities will accept. This regional accreditation by WSCUC means you can be confident that your CBU degree is recognized and respected by schools and companies across the country.
Yes! Most students studying online with CBU are working professionals and/or parents. With the asynchronous format, our programs are designed to balance work, family, faith and life with your education.
There are no impacted majors. Students are able to get the classes they need to graduate on time with no stress about priority registration dates or wait lists.
We have rolling admissions throughout the year allowing you to start a program at any of the 6 start dates throughout the year. For a list of our upcoming start dates, please visit https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/online/calendar
All courses in the program are asynchronous, meaning there is no live time that is required to login. Each course will have weekly assignments and deadlines that allow you to manage your own schedule. You can still expect a real professor and classmates for interaction and discussions but there will never be live participation required.
No. CBU welcomes students of all backgrounds, and online students are not required to attend chapel. All undergraduate programs include nine units of biblical and theological coursework, and Christian faith is intentionally woven into every course. To learn more about CBU's beliefs and mission, please visit https://calbaptist.edu/about/our-faith/
Cost and Financial Aid
No, online students do not pay the same price as traditional on-campus undergraduate students. For more information on tuition and fees, please visit https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-aid/online/
Yes. CBU’s online programs provide a reputable and flexible pathway to completing your bachelor’s degree. Students pursuing an online degree often avoid additional costs associated with on-campus study, such as housing, gas and parking.
Students will receive a financial aid estimate prior to enrollment. Your assigned Admissions Counselor will review it with you and answer any questions to be sure you are comfortable prior to enrollment.
Online students can use state, federal, military and private financial aid.
Additionally, CBU has partnered with select employers to provide their employees with the opportunity to improve their career education and receive a 20% tuition scholarship: https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-aid/online/preferred-partnerships/
For more information on the opportunities for financial aid, please visit: https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-aid/online/
Yes, CBU maximizes the GI Bill® and Military Tuition Assistance (TA) programs for active-duty military personnel, veterans and their dependents. Military students receive personalized guidance on financial aid options including scholarships, grants and loans to supplement their benefits and make higher education affordable.
You can use your GI Bill® Chapters 1606, 30, 31, 33 and 35. CBU is a Yellow Ribbon school and we have an unlimited number of Yellow Ribbon scholarships available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To view our current Yellow Ribbon rates, visit our page on the GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense benefit for current service members of all branches of the Armed Forces to assist with the cost of tuition. Those who may be eligible are members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Reserves and the Coast Guard. Participation in this program is for our servicemembers enrolled in CBU online undergraduate and master's level degrees and course offerings. The current TA rate is $250 per unit.
For more information, please visit: https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-aid/online/military
Support
Online students have access to many support services including:
Yes, online students can use campus resources and are welcome to participate in our commencement ceremonies. This is a great opportunity to have your family and friends witness your graduation!
Once your application and all official transcripts are received, you’ll receive an admissions decision and degree review within 1–3 business days. Your Admissions Counselor will walk you through the results and, if you’re ready, help you enroll in your first courses. From there, a dedicated Student Success Coach will support you through graduation, guiding your course selections and ensuring you’re enrolled well ahead of each semester.
Applying
An Admissions Counselor will call you the same business day you apply, or the following day if after hours. You can expect an admissions decision with a breakdown of transfer work within 1-3 days after your application and all official transcripts are received.
There are no application fees or deadlines for our online programs; however, we do recommend applying and sending in all official transcripts about 1 month prior to your desired start date.
Students who do not meet the admissions requirements can submit an appeal letter. If the appeal is not approved, your assigned Admissions Counselor can discuss options on how to obtain admission in the future.
CBU will pay for and obtain a third-party international transcript evaluation for you. We do require the student to supply the original official transcripts and a translation (if necessary).
Transferring previous credit
All online programs are designed to be transfer friendly. An admissions decision and degree review with a full breakdown of transfer work will be provided in 1-3 business days once a completed application and all official transcripts are received.
A maximum of 100 units can be transferred in, and more information on transferring to CBU Online can be found here: https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/online/transfer
There is no minimum number of units or specific courses needed in order to transfer to CBU online. All programs are designed to meet you where you are in your education, as we offer all courses required to finish your degree.
Individuals transferring to CBU with an associate's degree and either an IGETC or CSU General Education Breadth Certification prior to transfer are waived from general education requirements, with the exception of the biblical and theological core and English composition (ENG 113 & 123) courses.
Students with an approved associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution outside of California, or who have completed a CBU approved associate degree for Transfer (ADT) prior to transferring, are waived from general education requirements with the exception of the biblical and theological core.