About CBU
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About
California Baptist University, one of the top Christian Colleges in the nation, is
a private Christian university located near Los Angeles in Southern California.
In This Section
California Baptist University believes each person has been created for a unique purpose.
CBU strives to help students understand and engage this purpose by providing a Christ-centered
educational experience that integrates academics with spiritual and social development
opportunities. Graduates are challenged to become individuals whose skills, integrity
and sense of purpose glorify God and distinguish them in the workplace and in the
world.
California Baptist University is one of the top private Christian colleges and universities
in Southern California. CBU offers associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral and
credential programs in Riverside and online.
State of the University 2025
LOCATION:
Riverside, California
FOUNDED BY:
Los Angeles Southern Baptist Association
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION:
California Southern Baptist Convention
RECOGNITION:
2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional University
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Board of Behavioral Science Examiners
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
National Association of Schools of Music
State of California Board of Registered Nursing
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Board of Registered Nurses
American Council for Construction Education
CBU’s bachelor degree programs in civil engineering (BSCE), electrical and computer
engineering (BSECE) and mechanical engineering (BSME) have been accredited by the
Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET,
Key Facts
Associate's Programs
51
Master's Programs
162
Acres
1950
Year Founded
116
Bachelor's Programs
10
Doctoral Programs
12,516
Enrollment
100%
Christian Faculty and Staff
A Beautiful Campus
Our beautiful 162-acre main campus is situated in the heart of Riverside's historic
Magnolia Avenue district just a short drive from popular beaches and mountain resorts.
The campus maintains the charm of the mission revival style while incorporating modern,
technologically advanced facilities. The most recent architectural additions to campus
are the 5,050-seat Events Center and the four-story apartment complex, Magnolia Crossing.
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A Division I Athletics Program
California Baptist University began a successful transition to NCAA Division I after
winning its first-ever Learfield Directors’ Cup in 2018. CBU's Lancers athletic program
is gaining recognition as one of the best in the nation with numerous regional and
national championship teams in a variety of sports.
Visit CBU Athletics
A Spiritual Mission
In addition to community involvement through a variety of service projects and activities,
California Baptist University also supports a wide range of highly active international
programs. The CBU International Service Projects program annually sends scores of
student teams throughout the world to teach and participate in recreation, construction
and infrastructure.
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CBU in the Region
CBU has established a reputation of excellence throughout the Inland Empire and beyond.
School districts, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, churches and businesses seek
out and hold CBU graduates in high regard for their unique combination of competence,
confidence and compassion.
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