California Baptist University
Riverside, CA
Riverside, CA
Live Your Purpose
California Baptist University is a private, Christian institution offering more than 150 associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs both on campus and online. CBU believes that each person is created for a unique purpose and prepares students to live out that calling through Christ-centered academics integrated with spiritual and social development opportunities. Founded in 1950, CBU has thrived for 75 years as a community committed to academic excellence, faith-based leadership, and service-oriented education.
10 schools and colleges
CBU’s 10 schools and colleges provide a wide range of academic programs designed to prepare students for their chosen careers. Instruction is enhanced through hands-on learning opportunities, real-world application and guidance from experienced faculty who support students as they develop personally and professionally.
Location
Located in Riverside, California, CBU blends a vibrant campus life with quick access to Southern California’s top destinations—beaches, mountains, and desert landscapes. Just minutes from campus, Riverside’s historic Magnolia Avenue offers coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences to explore.
Student life
Campus life at CBU provides students with numerous opportunities to get involved, build connections and create lasting memories. In addition to student organizations, leadership programs, campus events and recreational activities, students have access to 12 on-campus dining locations and a variety of housing options that support a comfortable and connected university experience.
Division I athletics
CBU sponsors 19 NCAA Division I sports, giving student-athletes the opportunity to compete at the highest level of collegiate athletics. Currently a member of the Western Athletic Conference, CBU will transition to the Big West Conference in the 2026–2027 academic year, further expanding its competitive opportunities.
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Ranked #1 among the "Best Exercise Science & Kinesiology Bachelor's Degree Schools" in California | College Factual, 2024 |
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Ranked #33 among "Best Colleges Regional Universities" in the West | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
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Ranked #30 among "Best Value Schools" | U.S. News & World Report, 2026 |
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Accepts Classical Learning Test |
2
associate programs
116
bachelor's programs
51
master's programs
10
doctoral programs
162
acres
12,516
enrollment
1950
year founded
100%
Christian faculty and staff
22
average class size
21:1
student-faculty ratio
“...CBU developed my interest in business administration, equipping me with the practical skills and faith foundation to pursue a career in human resources and live my purpose by serving others in the workplace and beyond...”
"...CBU's nursing program didn't just equip me with technical skills and clinical experience; it also cultivated the leadership, resilience and faith I needed to live my purpose by serving as a nurse in the US Navy..."
"...my day can vary from working with directors to pulling materials for their pieces, looking over the script for music pieces, approving videos of music interviews and working with my supervisor to prepare for future guests..."
"Being homeschooled allowed me to grow up having a Christ-centered education, making the transition to CBU comfortable. I also enrolled in CBU's Pre-College Credit program during my senior year of high school, which increased my confidence when approaching college-level courses."