California Baptist University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With an 85% acceptance rate, Cal Baptist is within reach for many solid students, but test-optional does not make scores irrelevant. If you submit scores, aim for the upper half of its range, around 1050-1190 SAT or 23-27 ACT, especially if your GPA is near 3.44.
⬡ LangSmith193166f0-dd43-498b-bf7e-eff4d6d6621fData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
California Baptist University facts and stats
California Baptist University is a private Christian university in Riverside, California, with an undergraduate enrollment of 8,417. Cal Baptist’s freshman retention rate is 75%, above the national average of roughly 70%, and its 6-year graduation rate is 62%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1.
⬡ LangSmith54bbcd59-a15f-446f-8067-1da6657703bcRiverside, CA
How do your scores compare at Cal Baptist?
Key California Baptist University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
Not offered
Early Action
—
Early Decision
—
Priority Deadline
December 5
Financial Aid Priority
March 2
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores to Cal Baptist, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year. Save the summer before senior year and a fall retake for score improvement or superscoring. Cal Baptist’s March 2 financial aid priority deadline should not drive your testing timeline because scores are not required for aid.
⬡ LangSmithf6d43cfa-5bde-4743-adb5-53bba95853b5Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at California Baptist University?
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What you'll actually pay
Cal Baptist is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $41,228, with 67% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $17,241. Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline.
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California Baptist University’s estimated cost of attendance is about $57,278, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 67% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $37,816. Merit awards average $17,241, which can significantly reduce the published price for eligible students. Graduates leave with an average debt of $35,664.
⬡ LangSmitha897da9b-20e1-42ff-a3fd-cec097d2c7feStudent life at California Baptist University
32% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
California State University, Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CAAcceptance rate: 85.1%
SAT: 940–1160
ACT: 19–27
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CAAcceptance rate: 88.4%
SAT: 1003–1310
ACT: 25–30
Southern California Institute of Architecture
Los Angeles, CAAcceptance rate: 76.7%
SAT: 1020–1230
Dominican University of California
San Rafael, CAAcceptance rate: 83.9%
SAT: 1240–1260
ACT: 21–26
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