California Baptist University (CBU) is a private Christian university in Riverside, California. Founded in 1950, CBU offers undergraduate, graduate, and online programs to a diverse student population. As a faith-based institution, CBU incorporates Christian values into its curriculum and campus life.
Tuition and Fees
The cost of attendance at CBU varies based on factors such as residency status, program of study, and housing arrangements. Here is a breakdown of estimated costs for the 2023-2024 academic year:
| Category | Full-time Undergraduate | Full-time Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $33,530 | $25,500 |
| Fees | $3,115 | $2,120 |
| Room and Board (on-campus) | $12,518 | $12,518 |
| Off-Campus Housing | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,500 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,500 | $2,500 |
Total Estimated Cost:
| Category | Full-time Undergraduate | Full-time Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | $55,163 | $43,638 |
| Off-Campus | $49,663 | $37,138 |
Financial Aid
CBU offers a variety of financial aid options to assist students in meeting the cost of attendance. These include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. In the 2021-2022 academic year, 98% of CBU undergraduate students received some form of financial aid, with an average award of $18,164.
Payment Options
CBU allows students to pay their tuition and fees in a variety of ways, including:
- Direct payment
- Monthly payment plan
- Credit card
- Financial aid
Scholarships
CBU offers a variety of scholarships to students based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. Some notable scholarships include:
- Presidential Scholarship: Awarded to incoming freshmen with a high school GPA of 3.75 or higher and ACT/SAT scores above certain thresholds.
- Dean’s Scholarship: Awarded to incoming freshmen with a high school GPA of 3.50 or higher.
- Athletic Scholarships: Awarded to student-athletes who meet certain athletic and academic requirements.
- Transfer Scholarships: Awarded to transfer students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Diversity Scholarships: Awarded to students from underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate financial need.
Grants
CBU offers several types of grants to students, including:
- Federal Pell Grant: Awarded to low-income students who demonstrate financial need.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to eligible low-income students on a first-come, first-served basis.
- California State University Grant (Cal Grant): Awarded to California residents who meet certain income and academic requirements.
Loans
CBU offers a variety of student loans to help students cover the cost of attendance. These loans are available through the federal government and private lenders.
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: Awarded to students with financial need based on their FAFSA results.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Awarded to all students, regardless of financial need.
- Federal Parent PLUS Loan: Awarded to parents of dependent students to help cover the cost of attendance.
Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program provides eligible students with part-time employment on campus. Students can earn money to help pay for their education and gain valuable work experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not completing the FAFSA: Filing the FAFSA is essential for determining eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
- Applying for scholarships too late: Deadlines for scholarship applications vary, so it is important to apply well in advance.
- Borrowing more than you need: It is important to carefully consider your financial situation before borrowing money for college.
- Ignoring payment deadlines: Missing payment deadlines can lead to late fees and other penalties.
- Not budgeting your expenses: Creating a budget can help you track your spending and make informed financial decisions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong Christian community
- Academic programs with a Christian perspective
- Generous financial aid options
- Beautiful campus located in Southern California
Cons:
- Higher cost of attendance compared to public universities
- Limited course offerings in some fields
- Smaller campus size may not be suitable for all students
- Location may not be ideal for all students
FAQs
1. What is the total cost of attendance at CBU for full-time undergraduate students?
The estimated total cost of attendance for full-time undergraduate students living on campus is $55,163 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
2. How much financial aid can I receive from CBU?
The amount of financial aid you can receive from CBU depends on your financial need, academic merit, and other factors. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the average financial aid award for undergraduate students was $18,164.
3. What are the different types of scholarships available at CBU?
CBU offers a variety of scholarships to students based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria. Some of the most notable scholarships include the Presidential Scholarship, the Dean’s Scholarship, and athletic scholarships.
4. How do I apply for financial aid at CBU?
To apply for financial aid at CBU, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at the Federal Student Aid website (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa).
5. What are the payment options for CBU tuition and fees?
CBU allows students to pay their tuition and fees in a variety of ways, including direct payment, monthly payment plan, credit card, and financial aid.
6. Is there any financial aid available for graduate students at CBU?
Yes, CBU offers a variety of financial aid options for graduate students, including scholarships, grants, and loans.
7. What is the average salary for CBU graduates?
According to a 2022 salary survey conducted by CBU, the average starting salary for graduates is $54,000.
8. Is CBU a good value for the cost?
Whether or not CBU is a good value for the cost depends on a variety of factors, such as your career goals, financial situation, and individual preferences.