Scholarships and Grants

Incoming Freshmen*

Trustees Scholarship - $17,000 

4.0 GPA and above

Presidents Scholarship - $16,000

3.9-3.99 GPA

Deans Scholarship - $15,000

3.3-3.89 GPA

Directors Scholarship - $13,000

2.95-3.29 GPA

*Award amounts listed are for students enrolling for the first time at California Baptist University in Fall 2025, 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 2025. 

Incoming Transfers*

Transfer Platinum - $13,000 

3.75 GPA and above

Transfer Gold - $12,000

3.5-3.74 GPA

Transfer Blue - $11,000

3.0-3.49 GPA

Transfer Bronze - $9,000

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 2025.

Federal Pell Grant
$692–$6,895 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. 

Cal Grants
A ($9,358*) or B ($1,648) per year (for current first-year recipients) — If you receive Cal B as a freshman, CBU will provide a "Cal B Assist" in the amount of $7,710 ($9,358 total). 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. 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. 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.

Chafee Grant
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. 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.

1. Submit the DREAM Act Application.

2. 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.

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.

CBU Promise 

Beginning in Fall 2025, incoming students are guaranteed at least $8,000 in CBU Gift 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.

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.

Athletic Scholarships
Available for men’s basketball, baseball, diving, soccer, swimming, water polo, cross country and track, and golf. For women, scholarships are available for basketball, softball, diving, soccer, swimming, water polo, cross country and track, volleyball, dance and cheer. For further information call the Athletic Department at (951) 689-5771.

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.

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

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

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

Speech and Debate Scholarships – Up to $2,000 per year
For further information, contact the Department of Communication Arts at (800) 782-3382 ext.4964.

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.

Music: Vocal, Instrumental and Piano Performance 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.

College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design Scholarships
For further information, contact CAVAD at (951) 343-4531.

Continuing CBU student scholarships 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.

Private scholarships are those offered from organizations, foundations or companies, usually not affiliated with a university. You can find many scholarships based on your personal traits, hobbies or planned major. The more effort you put into your search and applications, the more likely you are to get scholarships.

View a list of suggested private scholarships.