California Baptist University

Riverside, CA

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA

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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.

ACCOLADES

College Factual Badge

Ranked #1 among the "Best Exercise Science & Kinesiology Bachelor's Degree Schools" in California | College Factual, 2024

US News badge

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

Badge

Accepts Classical Learning Test

CBU by the Numbers

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

An Inside Look

What students are saying about us...

  • “...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...”

    • Tanner Kekoa Foster
      Business Administration, BS (‘23)
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  • "...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..."

    • Haley Chambers
      Nursing, BS (‘22)
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  • "...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..."

    • Kiani Margolis
      Film and Cinematic Arts, BA (‘20)
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  • "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."

    • Peter Smith
      Double Major in Business Administration, BS and Philosophy, BA
    •