Why is the in-state and out-of-state cost the same?
CBU is a private university, so tuition is not tied to state residency. Public universities often discount in-state students because families pay state taxes that support the school — that model doesn’t apply here.

What’s included in “direct/billed” costs?
Direct costs are what you typically pay to CBU: tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus housing/meal plan charges. The full COA also includes indirect costs like books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Does CBU participate in WUE, MSEP, or other tuition exchanges?
Not in the way public universities do. Since CBU uses one tuition rate for all students, out-of-state “waivers” don’t really apply. Your best strategy is maximizing institutional merit + any need-based grants you qualify for.

How can a family lower the $55K+ sticker price?
For many students, the biggest lever is the automatic academic merit scholarship (based on GPA). After that, need-based institutional grants and outside scholarships can reduce out-of-pocket costs further.

How accurate is the $31,457 average net price?
It’s a verified federal average across students. Your actual cost depends on your student’s merit award, household income, FAFSA results, and whether you choose on-campus housing and which meal plan.

Do I need a separate application for CBU’s automatic merit scholarships?
Usually, no. CBU’s academic merit scholarships are typically awarded automatically based on your cumulative GPA if you meet the published GPA tier and you’re admitted.

Are test scores required to qualify for automatic merit?
No. CBU is test-optional, and its automatic merit grid is primarily GPA-based.

Does CBU superscore the ACT or SAT for scholarships?
CBU does not publish an official ACT or SAT superscoring policy for scholarships. Because test scores are not required for admission or the GPA-based automatic grid, superscoring typically does not impact automatic merit eligibility.

What do I have to do to keep (renew) an automatic merit scholarship?
These scholarships are renewable as long as you meet CBU’s renewal rules. For the published grid, that includes maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative college GPA. Always confirm any additional conditions (enrollment level, conduct expectations, etc.) in your award letter.

Is there a priority deadline for automatic merit?
Yes. CBU uses rolling admission, but the university lists a December 5 priority application date for best consideration, including scholarships. Applying earlier is smart, because some funding can be limited by timing.

Can automatic merit be combined with other aid?
Often, yes. Many students combine automatic merit with federal aid, California state grants (if eligible), and other CBU-funded grants. Just know that some institutional aid can be adjusted if your total aid package exceeds certain limits.

Does CBU have a “full-ride” flagship scholarship like some public universities?
Not clearly advertised as a single, university-wide flagship program on the main undergraduate scholarship pages. At CBU, the typical path is automatic academic merit plus additional institutional grants and department/participation awards (when eligible).

If there’s no flagship, what should high-achieving students do instead?
Treat your “competition” as maximizing the total package: qualify for the highest automatic academic tier, submit your application early, and then pursue department-based awards (for example music/audition awards, theatre, athletics, and college-specific scholarships like engineering).

Is there a separate scholarship application portal?
CBU routes many opportunities through its scholarship resources (including its scholarship platform/portal) and department processes. If your student is eligible for additional awards beyond automatic merit, the portal and the department pages are usually where those steps are listed.

Do test scores matter for CBU scholarships?
CBU is test-optional, and its main scholarship structure emphasizes GPA-based merit and other criteria. If your student submits test scores, use them as a “bonus,” but don’t assume they unlock a separate flagship category unless CBU explicitly states that.

What deadline should we treat as “the” scholarship deadline?
Use CBU’s posted priority application date for best scholarship consideration (often early December for Fall entry), plus any earlier deadlines tied to specific programs (music auditions, athletics recruiting timelines, departmental applications, etc.).

Are hidden-gem scholarships automatic?
Usually not. Many require a FAFSA, departmental review, audition, participation, or verification of eligibility (ministry status, employment, or program enrollment).

Can these stack with automatic merit scholarships?
Often yes. Many students receive automatic merit + CBU grants + departmental or need-based awards. However, total institutional aid may be capped, so large awards can replace smaller grants.

Which students should pay special attention to this section?
Students with financial need, specific majors, performance talents, ministry backgrounds, or family/employer connections often benefit the most.

Where do I apply for these scholarships?
Most are coordinated through CBU’s Financial Aid Office or individual academic departments. Always confirm application steps after admission.

Does California Baptist University have an Honors College?
CBU does not use the term “Honors College,” but it does operate a formal Honors Program. Students participate in honors coursework and seminars alongside their primary major.

Are there honors-specific scholarships at CBU?
CBU indicates that Honors-exclusive scholarship opportunities are part of the Honors Program. However, detailed award amounts and selection criteria are not yet fully published and may evolve.

How does Honors affect scholarships overall?
Most CBU scholarship dollars still come from automatic GPA-based merit scholarships, departmental awards, and need-based institutional grants. Honors participation may provide additional opportunities but is not required to receive major merit aid.

What benefits does the Honors Program offer beyond scholarships?
Honors students gain access to specialized seminars, enhanced faculty interaction, academic enrichment, and leadership development opportunities.

How should families verify Honors scholarship details?
Because honors-exclusive funding is still developing, families should contact the CBU Honors Program directly after admission to confirm current scholarship availability and requirements.

Is CBU more academic or career-focused?
CBU leans strongly toward career-oriented and professionally aligned programs, especially in healthcare, engineering, and business.

Are programs taught from a Christian perspective?
Yes. CBU integrates Christian values and faith-based learning across its curriculum, though the depth of integration varies by program.

Does CBU work well for pre-professional students?
Often yes. Students pursuing nursing, health professions, ministry, or applied business fields tend to find CBU’s structured programs and advising particularly supportive.

Should families compare CBU to public universities?
Yes. Because CBU is a private university with a higher sticker price, families should compare net cost after scholarships and program outcomes rather than tuition alone.