At $27,384/yr net price, California Baptist University graduates earn $61,504/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,504/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,384 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,504/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,504/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,063 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,788/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,409/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,799/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,057/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,648/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $111,769 | $93,083 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $84,201 | $33,323 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $73,075 | $23,851 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $27,000 |
| Public Administration. | Bachelor | $69,338 | $36,707 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,499 | $27,000 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 | $26,800 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $63,005 | $27,334 |
| Education, General. | Master | $61,060 | $32,157 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $57,318 | $30,750 |
The Risk Factor
59.5% of students at California Baptist University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
California Baptist University delivers mixed financial returns, with strong outcomes for nursing and engineering majors but weaker prospects across many other programs. The $27,384 annual net price positions CBU in the middle range for private universities, though the 59.5% graduation rate means four in ten students pay without earning their degree.
Nursing programs stand out as clear winners, with graduates earning over $84,000 annually and some specializations reaching $111,769. Business administration and civil engineering also provide solid returns relative to debt loads. However, many other majors at CBU struggle to justify the private school premium, especially given the relatively modest median earnings of $61,504 across all graduates.
Your biggest financial risk at CBU is the graduation rate. Nearly 40% of students leave without a degree, making the investment particularly dangerous if you're unsure about your major or academic preparation. The 74% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that CBU isn't working for them.
CBU makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing, business, or engineering and can commit to finishing your degree. The school works well for students who value the Christian environment and smaller class sizes enough to pay the private premium. However, if you're exploring liberal arts, undecided on your major, or concerned about graduation, California's public universities offer better value and higher completion rates.
With 41% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships are available but not guaranteed. Focus on demonstrating strong academic credentials to maximize your aid package and reduce the net price burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California Baptist University worth the cost?
California Baptist University graduates earn a median of $61,504 after 10 years, which is modest compared to the $27,384 annual net price. The nursing programs offer strong returns with graduates earning over $80,000, but other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at California Baptist University?
Nursing programs at California Baptist University provide the strongest financial returns, with some graduates earning over $111,000 annually. Business administration and civil engineering also show decent outcomes at around $70,000, while other programs may not offer competitive salaries.
How much debt do California Baptist University students graduate with?
California Baptist University graduates leave with a median debt of $26,063. This debt load is manageable for nursing graduates who earn strong salaries, but may be challenging for students in lower-paying programs to repay.
Does California Baptist University have good graduation rates?
California Baptist University has a 59.5% graduation rate, which is below average for four-year institutions. This means about 4 in 10 students don't complete their degree, creating additional financial risk for families investing in the education.