For Parents & Families
We all have a purpose. California Baptist University helps your student connect with their calling in an academically rigorous, faith-rooted environment built on a mission of support and service.
In This Section
Why CBU?
Faith shapes every aspect of your life — from how you perceive your role to the connections you make and how you serve our greater world. CBU’s approach and campus culture reflect this perspective: We strive to graduate academically prepared, service-minded individuals equipped to lead and support others in a global society. We encourage everyone to live their purpose by pursuing their interests, fostering their faith and achieving their vocation.
Our Academic Programs
No two roles or callings are identical. We highlight multiple paths forward through over 100 programs offered across 10 schools and colleges covering business, nursing, behavioral science and education to the visual and performing arts.
A Christ-Centered Community
Our beliefs influence our place within the Southern California community and the world at large. Students are encouraged to embrace and deepen their faith while at CBU and reflect Christ’s teachings through their career and service to others.
Hands-On Learning
Doing leads to discovering. From internships and practicum assignments to training in CBU’s Flight Operations Center, all programs stress the importance of real-world experience and help students build connections that pave the way to their first entry-level role.
Involvement with Family
Connections create community. CBU seeks to establish relationships with the whole family and get parents and guardians involved in their student’s education and long-term success.
Small-School Feel with Greater Resources
We continue to grow — from program offerings to facilities like our 5,050-seat Events Center to transitioning to an NCAA Division I institution for our athletics programs. Yet, even as we look forward, we understand the importance of nurturing the individual — their interests, their dreams and their spirit.
Support
From academic support and counseling to programs for first-generation students and veterans, CBU considers the needs of a diverse student body and guides all individuals forward toward their goals.
Understanding the Admissions Process
Are you helping your student complete their application and manage deadlines? Keep in mind the general admissions timeline:
Deadlines & Early Admissions Decisions
The Undergraduate Admissions Office upholds a rolling admission policy, which means that we do not have a set deadline for applications, and we will accept applications throughout the year. However, if your student submits their fall application and all admissions documents by December 1, they will receive an early admissions decision.
Lancer Select
Students who meet the December 1 Priority Application Deadline not only receive an early admissions decision and expedited financial aid package but they’re also eligible to become a Lancer Select member, which offers early access to apply for housing.
Complete the Online Application
All students will need to complete our application online. We will then need the following admissions documents to complete the application process. (Please note, we are not on the Common Application).
- Admissions Essay (included in online application)
- $45 application fee
- Official transcripts from all schools and/or colleges attended*
Financial Aid
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid® (FAFSA®) qualifies your student for a broader range of federal, state and school aid programs. California residents are advised to send in all documentation by March 2.
*Please note: A transfer student is anyone who has completed 24 or more college semester units. Transfer students are not required to submit high school transcripts or ACT/SAT scores. However, transfer students may submit high school transcripts to verify if they are exempt from the foreign language general education requirement.
How to Apply for Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is an online application for parents and students to complete in order to be eligible for government and institutional need-based aid. When completing this application, make sure to add CBU’s school code, 001125, so that we can provide you with the most comprehensive award letter. For more information, refer to the Financial Aid page, or contact the office directly at 951.343.4236 or finaid@calbaptist.edu.
Key Deadlines
The FAFSA® typically opens on October 1 of your student’s senior year or approximately one year before entry into the institution. It has been announced that the 2025-2026 FAFSA will open in December 2024. California’s FAFSA® state deadline is March 2 for Cal Grant eligibility. (California residents only). It is extremely important to meet this deadline in order to potentially qualify for the most aid available to you and your family.
Scholarships & Grants
CBU also offers a variety of institutional grants and scholarships in addition to federal and state aid. Some of these are based on merit and involvement, while others are based on need. Currently, 100% of incoming traditional undergraduate CBU students receive some form of financial aid.
FAFSA® & Cal Grant Verification
Some students may be selected for FAFSA® verification. If you have been selected, please contact the Financial Aid Office to find out more information on documentation needed. California students must also submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. In most cases, your high school will submit this on your behalf, but it is always good to double check that it will be done by the March 2 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions by Parents & Families
Step One: Submit an Intent to Enroll
This tells us that your student is intending to enroll at CBU for the upcoming semester.
Step Two: Finance Your Education
CBU's team of financial aid counselors are committed to helping students find and secure the resources needed to finance their education. CBU offers a multitude of scholarship and grant opportunities to make the cost of attendance more affordable. These scholarships and grants can come in a variety of forms and are funded through the federal and state government, institutionally from CBU and through private companies and organizations. Additionally, educational loans are available. See the financial aid information below for next steps to secure these resources.
Step Three: Apply for Housing
Housing applications for fall will open in January! Your student can start their housing application here. Your student will need their CBU ID and password from their acceptance email to begin the process.
Step Four: Attend CBU Lancer Day
Let us help you decide if CBU is the right fit. Accepted students are invited to attend this full day event. Learn more about Lancer Day.
Step Five: Sign Up for New Student Class Registration
Ready to commit to CBU? For students who have decided to attend CBU, the next step is to sign up for New Student Class Registration. New Student Class Registration is an online process where you will register for classes for your first semester at CBU with the help of Academic Advising. All new students who have been accepted for the fall semester are eligible to sign up. Learn more about registering for courses.
Step Six: Attend New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation introduces your student to the CBU experience even further — from faculty and staff to fellow students to resources available on campus to guide their success. Learn more about New Student Orientation.
Step Seven: Meet the Payment Due Date
Students will sign a Tuition and Fee Agreement for the CBU Student Accounts Office and make approved payment arrangements to cover their balance. The Payment Due Date for the fall 2025 semester is August 6, 2025. Payment plans are available through the Student Accounts Office.
Step Eight: Get Connected at Welcome Weekend
Students will attend Welcome Weekend and get connected to campus resources, future classmates, the CBU community and Christ.
Our Safety Services office offers 24-hour surveillance of our closed campus and surrounding areas. They are here to serve our students and offer a safe environment for every resident and visitor that comes to our campus. In addition, all students are required at registration to enroll in a campus alert system that notifies them by text if there is an emergency.
19:1
While some faculty members employ teacher assistants, all of our courses are taught by the professor. CBU currently employs 391 full-time faculty and 400 adjunct faculty. All faculty members are required to hold regular office hours during the week in order to better assist students in understanding coursework and professional development.
We do not require our students to sign a statement of faith. However, CBU is unapologetically Christian, and because of that, we do require students to abide by a certain code of conduct that they must sign upon enrollment at the university. We abide by the Baptist Faith and Message. Learn more about what this means.
CBU currently has 11,491 total students. Over 6,500 of this population are traditional undergraduate students working toward completing a bachelor’s degree. The remaining population consists of graduate and online students.
Our acceptance rate is currently about 80%.
Fall 2023 new student report (undergraduate student population):
- Caucasian 30%
- Hispanic 42%
- African American 8%
- Two or More Races 5%
- Asian 6%
- Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 1%
- Unknown 5%
- Other 3%
For fall 2023, the average GPA was 3.65 and the average test scores were ACT 24/SAT 1006 (critical reading and math only) for first-time freshmen.
Yes, CBU offers college credit for AP/IB coursework. Please see the links below for more information regarding specific tests and required scores.
AP Credits and IB Credits
Resources for Parents & Families
Student Services Quick Reference
| Office | Telephone Number |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Admissions | 951.343.4212 |
| Career Center | 951.343.5031 |
| Student Accounts | 951.343.4371 |
| Office of Student Success | 951.343.4349 |
| Academic Advising | 951.343.4567 |
| Office of Spiritual Life | 951.552.8660 |
| Counseling Center | 951.689.1120 |
| Student Health Center | 951.552.8811 |
| Safety Services | 951.343.4311 |
Become a Part of the CBU Community
We value your drive and faith, from the time you and your student apply through graduation. Should you have questions about the application process, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office. We look forward to assisting your family!