California Baptist University publishes a total cost of attendance of $52,408 annually, including $39,720 in tuition, $11,630 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less due to financial aid, with the typical net price of $27,384 representing a $25,024 reduction from sticker price.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $54,038 |
| Tuition and Fees | $41,228 |
| Room and Board | $12,140 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,062 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$27,753 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $26,285 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $22,298 |
| $30–48k | $21,941 |
| $48–75k | $22,620 |
| $75–110k | $26,179 |
| $110k+ | $33,971 |
California Baptist University publishes a total cost of attendance of $52,408 annually, including $39,720 in tuition, $11,630 for room and board, and $938 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less due to financial aid, with the typical net price of $27,384 representing a $25,024 reduction from sticker price. This net cost exceeds the peer median by $241, indicating modestly higher expenses than comparable private institutions.
The financial aid system provides substantial support, covering nearly half of published costs on average, though families should expect meaningful out-of-pocket expenses. Net prices vary considerably by family income, ranging from $23,788 for the lowest-income families to $34,648 for the highest earners, creating a $10,860 spread that reflects targeted aid toward lower-income students. California residents pay the same tuition as out-of-state students since CBU is a private institution, eliminating the typical in-state pricing advantage found at public universities.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
CBU graduates carry median debt of $26,063, exceeding the peer median by $1,882 and ranking at the 19th percentile nationally for debt levels, indicating modestly below average performance on this measure. Debt levels span from $9,500 at the 25th percentile to $31,000 at the 75th percentile, showing variation in borrowing patterns among students.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 indicates debt levels that are manageable but require careful budgeting, with annual debt payments consuming roughly 40% of first-year earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $26,736 with monthly payments of $352, representing additional family debt obligations beyond student loans.
The combination of above-peer debt levels with strong earnings performance creates a mixed affordability picture, where higher borrowing supports long-term career advancement but increases financial risk for graduates. Students should carefully consider their program choice and career goals when evaluating debt levels, as earning potential varies significantly across CBU's academic offerings.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
California Baptist University presents a strong return on educational investment despite higher upfront costs and debt levels. Graduates earn $15,389 beyond expectations based on their academic preparation and demographics, ranking at the 91.4th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
This exceptional performance in generating earnings growth helps justify higher borrowing requirements and net costs. Median earnings of $61,504 fall slightly below the peer median of $63,066, but the strong value-added performance indicates CBU maximizes outcomes relative to student inputs.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42, while requiring careful financial management, remains within sustainable bounds for most career paths. Students should weigh the institution's proven track record of supporting first-generation and transfer students against higher debt levels, recognizing that CBU's strength lies in transforming diverse student backgrounds into strong career outcomes rather than serving students with already-strong academic credentials.
CBU demonstrates strong commitment to financial accessibility through substantial aid distribution, with average financial aid savings of $25,024 per student. The 41.0% Pell share significantly exceeds national averages for private institutions, indicating successful enrollment of lower-income students despite higher sticker prices.
Aid targeting appears effective, with the lowest-income families paying just 45.4% of what the highest-income families pay, creating meaningful affordability differences. The progressive pricing structure suggests CBU uses institutional resources to supplement federal aid programs, particularly for middle-income families who may not qualify for maximum Pell Grant support.
However, the net price of $27,384 remains above the peer median, indicating limits to affordability despite substantial aid efforts. Families should expect need-based aid to form the primary component of financial support, with merit aid playing a secondary role.
