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California Baptist University

Riverside, CA·Private nonprofit·7,914 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

74%
Accept
7,914
Students
$27,384
Net Price
60%
Grad Rate
$47,500
Earnings
10 yr
$20,500
Debt

About This School

California Baptist University is a private nonprofit institution located in Riverside, California with approximately 7,914 undergraduate students enrolled. California Baptist University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 74%. The average net price after financial aid is $27,384 per year. The graduation rate is 60%, and the typical graduate earns $47,500 within 10 years of enrollment.

California Baptist University is a private Baptist Christian university in Riverside, California, United States. Founded in 1950 as California Baptist College, it is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, an organization affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. CBU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The numbers tell a mixed story here — a 60% graduation rate and 74% freshman retention suggest a meaningful share of students don't finish, which is worth taking seriously before committing. On the financial side, the picture is more reasonable: median debt of $20,500 is manageable, and the Baptist faith community and Riverside location appeal to students seeking a values-aligned campus with a clear Christian identity. Worth considering if CBU's specific programs or culture are a strong personal fit, but students should ask hard questions about academic support and why so many peers leave before graduating.

Founded
1950
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions20%
Business & Marketing15%
Psychology9%
Engineering7%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences5%
Education4%
Communications3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Rick WarrenBrent KutzleJay Obernolte

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$39,720
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,720
Avg Net Price
$27,384
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$20,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
60%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,500
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,500
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White32%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino42%
Asian6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (7,914 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

California Baptist University

8432 Magnolia Ave

Riverside, CA 92504-3297

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in California

Browse all California schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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