
California Baptist University (Cal Baptist or CBU) is a private Baptist Christian university in Riverside, California. Founded in 1950, it is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. CBU has seen 23 consecutive years of enrollment growth, with 11,580 students enrolling in the fall of 2023. The university offers over 100 majors, 40 graduate programs, and seven doctoral programs. CBU's campus size is 160 acres, and it has a diverse student body, with 91% of students coming from in-state, 7% from out-of-state, and 2% international students. The university is accredited by several organizations and is a member of various associations, including the American Association of Higher Education and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of Founding | 1950 |
| Location | Riverside, California |
| Campus Size | 160 acres |
| Type of Institution | Private |
| Affiliation | Baptist Christian, California Southern Baptist Convention, Southern Baptist Convention |
| Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission, Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| Number of Majors Offered | Over 100 |
| Number of Graduate Programs | 40 |
| Number of Doctoral Programs | 7 |
| Total Enrollment (as of Fall 2024) | 11,931 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment (Fall 2023) | 8,110 |
| Male-Female Ratio | 37:63 |
| Student Body Diversity | 58% say diverse in race, ethnicity, and cultural background |
| Athletic Division | Division I, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |
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What You'll Learn

California Baptist University's enrolment growth
California Baptist University (Cal Baptist or CBU) is a private Baptist Christian university in Riverside, California. Founded in 1950, it is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, an organisation affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. CBU's enrolment has grown significantly over the past three decades, experiencing 24 consecutive years of enrolment growth as of 2024.
During its first year, the university enrolled 120 students under the leadership of its first president, P. Boyd Smith. In 1994, when Ronald L. Ellis became president, enrolment had increased to 808 students. As of 2024, the university's enrolment has grown to 11,931 students, representing an increase of almost 15 times in 30 years. This growth is attributed to the dedication of the university's leadership, faculty, and staff, who have worked to make CBU a place where students can pursue their academic goals and live their purpose.
CBU's consistent enrolment growth has led to the expansion of its academic offerings. The university now offers over 100 majors, 40 graduate programs, and seven doctoral programs. The university is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In 2011, WASC reaffirmed CBU's accreditation for a 10-year period, the maximum accreditation period granted by the organisation. Additionally, CBU's various schools and colleges hold accreditations and memberships specific to their disciplines.
The university's athletic teams are called the Lancers, and they compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). CBU's campus covers 160 acres, and the student body is diverse, with a majority of students residing in-state. The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities West, #30.
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Undergraduate enrolment numbers
California Baptist University (Cal Baptist or CBU) is a private Baptist Christian university in Riverside, California. Founded in 1950 as California Baptist College, it is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. CBU's campus size spans 160 acres.
As of Fall 2023, the total undergraduate enrolment at California Baptist University was 8,110 students. This figure represents a significant increase from the university's inaugural year in 1950 when only 120 students were enrolled. Since then, CBU has experienced consistent growth in its student population. By 1994, when Ronald L. Ellis became president, the enrolment had grown to 808 students. Under Ellis' leadership, the university has continued to thrive, with enrolment increasing to 11,580 students by 2023. This growth has been attributed to the dedication of the university leadership, faculty, and staff, who have worked together to make CBU a place where students can pursue their academic goals and live their purpose.
In 2024, CBU reported another record-breaking year, with an enrolment of 11,931 students, marking the 24th consecutive year of enrolment growth. This increase of 351 students over the previous year was the largest since 2019 and showcased the university's continued appeal to prospective students.
The undergraduate enrolment numbers at California Baptist University reflect the university's growing popularity and its commitment to providing a high-quality education that meets the needs and aspirations of its diverse student body. With a range of academic programmes, including over 100 majors, 40 graduate programmes, and seven doctoral programmes, CBU offers a well-rounded educational experience that attracts students from diverse backgrounds.
The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its student body, with 58% of students reporting that the student population is very diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and cultural background. Additionally, the gender distribution among undergraduates is relatively balanced, with 63% female students and 37% male students.
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Student demographics
California Baptist University (Cal Baptist or CBU) is a private Baptist Christian university in Riverside, California. Founded in 1950, it is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, an organisation with links to the Southern Baptist Convention. CBU's student population has grown consistently over the years, with 11,580 students enrolled in Fall 2023, representing a 23rd consecutive year of growth. This number increased to 11,931 in Fall 2024, marking the 24th consecutive year of growth.
The university's student body is diverse, with 58% of students reporting that it is diverse in terms of race, ethnicity, and cultural background. The gender breakdown of the undergraduate student population is 63% female and 37% male. The majority of students are from within California, with 91% of undergraduates residing in-state, 7% out-of-state, and 2% international students.
In terms of age, the undergraduate population is predominantly made up of students aged 18-24, with 32% aged 18-19 and 32% aged 20-21. There is also a significant number of students over the age of 25, accounting for 20% of the undergraduate population. The university offers over 100 majors, 40 graduate programs, and seven doctoral programs, providing a wide range of academic options for its diverse student body.
The university is accredited by several organisations and is a member of various associations, including the American Association of Higher Education, the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, and the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities. CBU also has partnerships with discipline-specific organisations, such as the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
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Student reviews
California Baptist University (CBU) is a private institution founded in 1950. It has experienced 23 years of consecutive enrolment growth, with 11,580 students enrolling in the fall of 2023. In 2024, this number grew to 11,931 students.
One student speaks highly of the quality of instruction at CBU, describing it as "excellent". They note that the instructors are communicative, responsive, and helpful. This student attended CBU after going to a public community college and were pleased that the quality of instruction at CBU exceeded that of the community college.
Another student describes CBU as a "joke of a school", claiming that the professors do not have advanced degrees and that there is a lack of diversity in the faculty and student body. They also criticise the school for misusing the Bible to create a bubble and for not engaging with the community.
A student who received both their BA and MS degrees from CBU loved the atmosphere of the school and felt that the professors were knowledgeable in what they taught and had real-world experience. They also mention that the campus is a great size, with all classrooms on the main campus or a short walk away.
One graduate from the criminal justice program at CBU speaks highly of their experience, noting that the professors in the program were all former or current police, judges, or lawyers, which brought a feeling of practicality to their lectures. This graduate chose CBU because of its religious nature and the rules that come with it, such as mandatory Bible classes and chapel twice a week. They mention that you do not have to be a Christian to attend, but you must follow the rules.
A student who values the supportive environment at CBU mentions that the campus is modern and well-maintained, with a variety of degree programs. They appreciate the small class sizes and dedicated professors, which allow for more personal attention. This student chose CBU for its strong Christian values and the opportunity to grow both academically and spiritually.
Another student describes CBU as a devoted school, creating an environment of kindness, empathy, and awesome education. They speak highly of the professors, whom they describe as "people of God". This student also mentions that everyone they have spoken to at CBU has had "awesome character and a smile on their face".
Overall, while there is a negative review, the majority of students seem to have positive experiences at CBU, praising the quality of education, the campus, and the people.
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CBU's accreditation
California Baptist University (CBU) is institutionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In 2019, CBU's regional accreditation through WSCUC was reaffirmed for six years. The WSCUC accreditation process aids institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs and assures the educational community, the general public, and other organizations that an accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness. The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is one of six regional associations that accredit public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States.
CBU's various schools and colleges hold accreditations and memberships from organizations related to their specific disciplines. For instance, the CAVAD Master of Architecture program currently maintains accreditation with the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). The CBU PsyD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), valid until September 28, 2026. The MSW program at California Baptist University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and the master's degree program in nursing at California Baptist University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program. The accreditation process is more than an administrative hurdle; it is an opportunity for discussion and focus on reaching institutional goals. CBU's next WSCUC accreditation visit is scheduled for Spring 2025. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the university will conduct a self-study to review its compliance with the 2022 Standards of Accreditation. The report will be submitted in early Fall 2024.
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Frequently asked questions
As of Fall 2024, 11,931 students are enrolled at California Baptist University (CBU).
CBU has seen 24 years of consecutive enrollment growth. When Ronald L. Ellis became president in 1994, enrollment was 808 students.
As of Fall 2023, there were 8,110 undergraduate students enrolled at CBU.
CBU has a diverse student body, with 58% of students reporting that the student body is very diverse in race, ethnicity, and cultural background. The typical student is described as friendly, and 63% of undergrads are female.











































