California Baptist University
California Baptist University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
California Baptist University at a Glance
California Baptist University is a private university in Riverside, California, United States. Founded in 1950 as California Baptist College, it is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention, an organization affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. CBU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
1950
76 years old
$158M
$157.6 million (2024)
12,466
160 acres
Identity
Is California Baptist University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, California Baptist University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $61,504 — 14% above average — while paying $26,285/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 61% graduation rate means roughly 39% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at California Baptist University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How California Baptist University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #17 of 33 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Louis University | 58 | $24,398 | $70,783 |
| #2 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #3 | University of St Thomas | 48 | $29,155 | $73,739 |
| #4 | Creighton University | 48 | $31,568 | $73,911 |
| #5 | Aurora University | 46 | $18,838 | $58,709 |
| #6 | University of Scranton | 46 | $32,568 | $74,652 |
| #17 | California Baptist University | 36 | $26,285 | $61,504 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of California Baptist University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in CA.
Best Programs at California Baptist University
The highest-earning program at California Baptist University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $81,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $22,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from California Baptist University earns $81,400, while a Biology, General graduate earns $22,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $31,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,285/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $81,400 | $81,400 | $31,000 |
| Civil Engineering | $67,500 | $67,500 | $23,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $65,400 | $65,400 | $26,880 |
| Computer Engineering | $62,500 | $62,500 | $25,838 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $49,500 | $49,500 | $31,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $48,600 | $48,600 | $31,000 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $39,600 | $39,600 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,500 | $37,500 | $26,602 |
| Marketing | $36,700 | $36,700 | $25,938 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,300 | $33,300 | $26,500 |
| Graphic Communications | $30,800 | $30,800 | $20,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $29,400 | $29,400 | $31,000 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $28,800 | $28,800 | $25,166 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $27,300 | $27,300 | $26,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $27,300 | $27,300 | $28,873 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,200 | $27,200 | $27,000 |
| Sociology | $26,200 | $26,200 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $24,000 | $24,000 | $27,000 |
| Religion/Religious Studies | $23,300 | $23,300 | $29,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $23,100 | $23,100 | $29,173 |
| Biology, General | $22,600 | $22,600 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Riverside, CA
- Student Body
- 8,179 students
- Admission Rate
- 85%
- Graduation Rate
- 61%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,285
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,504
- Median Student Debt
- $26,063