How to Apply
Review general undergraduate requirements and additional documentation needed for transfer, international and veteran applicants.
In This Section
Get Started Toward Living Your Purpose
You’re searching for deeper meaning and a place to connect with your faith and calling. Discover this, all with the resources of an NCAA Division I school, at California Baptist University. We guide you toward your place in God’s kingdom through emphasis on hands-on learning, service to others across the globe and embracing your faith as a model of servant leadership.
As you contemplate your greater purpose, have CBU light the path forward. Ready to begin your journey? Review all requirements for on-campus undergraduate students below before submitting your application.
Admissions Timeline
Important Deadlines
CBU upholds a rolling admissions policy, meaning there is no set deadline for applying. However, you’re advised to keep in mind dates in relation to early admissions, the start of each semester and submitting financial aid paperwork.
Early Admissions Decision
Students who submit their application and transcripts by the Dec. 1 priority application deadline are eligible to receive an early admissions decision, an expedited financial aid package and a chance to become a Lancer Select member.
Financial Aid
Applicants won’t receive a financial aid offer until they are accepted for admission. In the meantime, you’re recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to become eligible for state, federal and school aid programs.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
Create Account and Start Application
Sign in If you have already created an account.
Understand how to complete your application. Are you a first-time freshman or a transfer student?
- First-time freshman: Students who are currently enrolled in high school or have completed less than 24 units of transferable college credit
- Transfer student: Students who have completed 24 or more units of transferable college credit
- Write a brief three- to five-paragraph essay response to the following question:
"What do you hope to gain from your experience as a student at California Baptist University?"
Provide examples from academic, social and spiritual standpoints. - Pay the nonrefundable $45 application fee to submit your application.
CBU no longer requires letters of recommendation for admission.
First-time freshmen: Send official, sealed transcripts from your high school and college or university (if applicable) directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office. We accept electronic transcripts and emailed transcripts from a school administrator.
- Home-educated students: Please contact your admissions counselor regarding proper formatting standards for your official transcript.
Transfer students: Send official, sealed transcripts from each college or university attended directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
- If you have completed fewer than 60 units of transferable college credit, then you must send proof of high school graduation to the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Test scores are not required or used for admissions purposes. However, if you have already taken the SAT, ACT or CLT, you can still submit your scores for English and math placement.
All admissions documents must be sent to the attention of the Undergraduate Admissions Office:
Undergraduate Admissions
8432 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside CA, 92504
Fax: (951) 343-4525
How Do I Apply?
Additional Admission Requirements
You’re coming in from community college or a four-year college or university with at least 24 transferable units. To support this stage of your journey, CBU has articulation agreements with California Community Colleges regarding how your previously completed coursework will be evaluated.
You’ve been participating in an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program at a partnering California Community College. If you have earned an Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or an Associate of Science for Transfer (AS-T), CBU offers guaranteed admission: Your efforts, in turn, result in at least 60 semester credits transferred to CBU and junior standing to get closer to completing your bachelor’s degree.
Learn more about this process, including how to work with admissions counselors at your community college and CBU to transfer your credits and complete your application.
Whether you’re a first-year freshman or transfer student, find requirements regarding transcripts, English proficiency, proof of financial support and conditions for receiving a Form I-20.
Understand how to use the GI Bill® to work toward your bachelor’s degree, transfer credits related to service and military education and submit your Statement of Responsibility to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Are you returning to CBU after withdrawing, taking a leave of absence or because of another scenario interrupting your enrollment? Learn more about the readmission progress and how to resume your studies at CBU.
Financial Aid Resources
Submitting your FAFSA® opens up multiple avenues for financial assistance — from scholarships to loans. For many students seeking their purpose, grants and scholarships based on academic, creative, athletic or other talents support their endeavors at CBU. Learn more about the financial aid process and forms of assistance.
Apply for Aid
Financial aid eligibility begins with filling out your FAFSA®. To be eligible for the Cal Grant, you’re recommended to complete all documentation by March 2.
Scholarships & Grants
CBU opens up multiple scholarship opportunities to incoming first-year and transfer students. Awards are based on talent or financial need.
Tuition & Costs
CBU keeps tuition affordable while offering access to multiple forms of financial assistance. Review undergraduate tuition for the upcoming academic year as well as fees and other costs.
Discover Your Calling at CBU
Thank you for considering CBU! Our admissions staff strives to make the admissions process enjoyable, informative and easy to complete. Feel free to contact us to ask questions. We look forward to getting to know you along the way!