Financial Aid

Mr. Joshua Morey
Director of Financial Aid
Phone 951.343.4236
Toll Free 877.228.8855
FinAid@calbaptist.edu

The Purpose of Financial Aid

California Baptist University coordinates and provides financial assistance to students who may otherwise be unable to attend for financial reasons. Financial aid at California Baptist University is administered in accordance with federal, state, and institutional policies. Although every effort is made to provide assistance to as many students as possible, it is important students understand they and their parents bear the principal responsibility for meeting educational costs. A federal methodology calculation is used in determining eligibility for financial aid, which is available to students through federal, state, and institutional programs.

There are various scholarships, grants, work programs and loans available for eligible students. These forms of financial assistance are categorized as follows: federal programs, state programs, institutional programs, and private scholarships. Specific information on each of these sources of financial aid is available on the Financial Aid section of the CBU website.

Applying for Financial Aid

Students who apply for federal, state, institutional, or private aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form is available online at www.fafsa.gov. The Renewal FAFSA can also be done on the internet at www.fafsa.gov. All applicants are required to create a FSA ID. A FSA ID gives students access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature.

Completion of the FAFSA will generate a Student Aid Report (SAR) which is sent directly to the student by the federal government. This report provides information regarding the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office will receive the FAFSA information electronically provided that the student has listed California Baptist University (school code 001125) on the FAFSA. Generally, the amount of financial aid awarded is based on the financial need of the student as determined by the results of the FAFSA. Financial need is defined as the difference between the total cost of attending school (tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, and other allowable living expenses) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined through the Federal Methodology Need Analysis. A student whose EFC exceeds the cost of attendance may still qualify for financial aid.

Requirements for Awarding

Financial aid funds are limited and are awarded on a priority basis. Priority for the academic year will be given to students who are approved for admission and complete their financial aid file by March 2. A completed financial aid file consists of the following documents:

• Results of the FAFSA.
• If requested by the Financial Aid Office-prior year federal tax transcripts from parents and students may be required. This is accompanied by a verification web form. Verification is processed electronically through the University’s Verify My FAFSA system on InsideCBU.
• Any additional documents required by federal or state agencies.
• All requested documents must be submitted no later than 14 days prior to the close of the term.

To qualify for a financial aid award, undergraduate students must be enrolled in 6 units of degree applicable coursework for half-time status, 9 units of degree applicable coursework for three-quarter time status, and 12 units of degree applicable coursework for full-time status. If less than half time, students may still be eligible for a portion of their Federal Pell Grant.

Applicants for the Cal Grant programs must file a FAFSA; new applicants must also submit a GPA verification form no later than the deadline established by the California Student Aid Commission (March 2). New applicants who fail to meet this deadline each year are not eligible to receive a Cal Grant.

Applications for the Dream Act must complete the Worksheet for California Dream Act by the March 2nd deadline. Additional documentation may be required. Please visit www.csac.ca.gov for details.

Students who are approved for admission and have completed their financial aid file after the priority deadline will still be considered for financial aid. However, options for preferred aid programs may be limited. The evaluation of a completed financial aid file will result in a Financial Aid Award Offer for eligible students.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Financial Aid Award Letter

The Financial Aid Award Letter is issued to a student after all requested documents are submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Grants and scholarships will be accepted for the student, with the exception of Cal Grant, or unless the Financial Aid Office is notified of the student’s decision to decline the aid. Acceptance of loan proceeds must be confirmed as outlined in the award letter instructions before funds will be disbursed to the student’s account. Participant scholarship recipients may be required to sign a separate agreement before the scholarship will be disbursed.

Students are required to notify the Financial Aid Office of changes in financial, residency or academic status. Changes of this nature will be reviewed and adjustments may be made to the student’s Financial Aid award. Changes based on marital status may be allowed up to the first day of the academic year.

Students have the opportunity to have their financial aid decision reviewed and explained by their Financial Aid Counselor by requesting an appointment.

Disbursement

Generally, a student’s total financial aid award is divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Federal and state grants, institutional and private scholarships, and student loans will be credited directly to the student’s account. Direct loan funds, subsidized and unsubsidized, and Parent PLUS loan disbursements are sent directly to the University.

Seniors attending one semester during their last academic year (graduating early) or attending an additional semester (senior year totaling 3 semesters) are subject by federal regulations to have some of their Financial Aid prorated based on federally directed calculations.

Withdrawal from the University

Withdrawal from the University (all classes) during any period of enrollment, whether official or unofficial, may necessitate the return of federal financial aid.

Pursuant to federal regulations (CFR 668.22), a refund calculation will be performed to determine the amount, if any, of Title IV aid (Pell Grant, SEOG, Stafford loans, Perkins loans) earned by the student for their attendance up to the date of withdrawal.

The withdrawal process begins with the completion of an official Petition to Withdraw form that is available in the Office of Admissions. Please refer to the Academic section of this catalog for further details of the process.

Unofficial withdrawals encompass those students who fail to initiate and/or complete the official withdrawal process as noted above.

Ceasing to attend class without proper notification to the Office of Admissions or the Office of the University Registrar will result in an unofficial withdrawal and a refund calculation will be performed to determine the amount of Title IV aid earned and the amount to be returned to the Title IV programs. The student is responsible for any resulting balance owed to the University.

All students who borrow federal student loans and cease at least half-time attendance at the University are required to complete exit counseling at www.studentloans.gov.

Satisfactory Academic Progress - Undergraduate Students

Federal regulations require California Baptist University to establish, publish, and apply standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for financial aid eligibility. The purpose of measuring and enforcing these standards is to ensure financial aid recipients’ progress towards graduation. Students who fail to meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements become ineligible to receive financial aid until they are in compliance with these requirements. To be eligible for financial aid, a student must be in good academic standing, making satisfactory progress toward the completion of a certificate or degree, within a maximum time frame. Students are evaluated annually following the Spring semester of the academic year to ensure the minimum standards are met. Students failing to meet the minimum standards will progress through the aid statuses defined as follows:

Financial Aid Suspension

Status assigned to a student who fails to make Satisfactory Academic Progress by the end of the academic year. The student is no longer eligible to receive financial aid. The student has the right to appeal the suspension. Aid is terminated until student’s written appeal is submitted and approved.

Financial Aid Probation

Status assigned to a student who received a Financial Aid Suspension and submitted an appeal which has been approved for a term of Financial Aid Probation. The student’s aid will be reinstated for the probationary term. The student must complete their probationary term successfully or their aid will be terminated.

It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Financial Aid Office of any status changes, grade changes, summer or winter term classes. If a student has a grade change or takes summer or winter term classes the student must notify the Financial Aid Office. Once the Financial Aid Office has been notified and the student has provided appropriate documentation, the Financial Aid Office can review and reassess the student’s financial aid eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress status. If a student proves to be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress due to additional degree applicable classes or grade change the student will no longer be subject to SAP and their financial aid will be reinstated. The Financial Aid Suspension status will become void for the term in these situations.

Measure of Progress

Qualitative Measure

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0. GPA’s are reviewed at the end of the academic year. Students failing to achieve a minimum 2.0 GPA are given a Financial Aid Suspension status. The student is eligible to appeal the suspension.

If the appeal is approved, the student must continue to earn a minimum 2.0 session GPA to continue making satisfactory progress toward a cumulative 2.0 GPA. A 2.0 session GPA is the minimum standard measurement for continuing progress. The student will need to earn higher than 2.0 session GPA(s) to correct deficiency.

Students on Financial Aid Probation failing to earn the minimum 2.0 session GPA will be returned to a Financial Aid Suspension status. The student will not be eligible to receive financial aid until the cumulative GPA is raised to a 2.0

Quantitative Measure

Student must successfully complete a minimum of 67 percent of units in which they enroll. Unit completion is reviewed at the end of the academic year.

Grades of F, W (Withdraw), I (Incomplete), and SP (Satisfactory Progress) do not demonstrate satisfactory course completion. Challenge exams and audited courses are not considered. Transfer credit that has been officially accepted to complete program requirements will demonstrate satisfactory course completion for quantitative measure (unit requirement) of Satisfactory Academic Progress, but will not figure into the 2.0 GPA qualitative measure requirement of Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students initially failing to complete 67 percent of their enrolled cumulative units will be given a Financial Suspension. The student is eligible to appeal the suspension.

If the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Financial Aid Probation and must continue making satisfactory progress in each subsequent term according to a specific plan of action determined for the student to reach the minimum qualitative requirement of 67 percent. The student must complete all units attempted within the subsequent term with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Students on Financial Aid Probation failing to achieve prescribed unit requirement plan in a subsequent term will be given a Financial Aid Suspension. The student will not be eligible to receive financial aid until the successful completion of 67 percent of enrolled unit requirement is achieved.

Maximum Time Frame Measure

Students are expected to complete their degree within a reasonable time frame. Programs of study, must be no longer than 150 percent of published length of educational program. The measurement begins from the date of the initial enrollment in the student’s program.

Readmitting Students

A readmit student that does not have the minimum GPA for their program will need to refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress - Traditional Undergraduate Students, portion of this catalog. Students may need to submit a written appeal for approval of a term of Financial Aid Probation. Once the student’s written appeal is submitted and approved the student’s aid will be reinstated for the probationary term.

Withdrawals and Cancellations

Withdrawal from the semester after the first day of classes counts as a semester attended when determining overall maximum unit completion and minimum unit completion, unless the student does not attend any classes for the given semester and receives a 100% refund of all fees. Cancellation of registration on or before the first day of classes does not count as a semester attended when determining maximum unit completion and minimum unit completion. Students must complete their exit counseling at www.studentloans.gov upon ceasing attendance between terms.

Repeated Courses

Financial aid will be given for the course in which a student has not received a passing grade. Once a student has passed the course, they may receive financial aid for only one retake of that course. A second or subsequent repetition of a passed course will not count toward the student enrollment status for financial aid purposes.

Concurrent Enrollment

Students attending California Baptist University and another college or university concurrently are eligible for aid based on the coursework and GPA acquired at CBU only.

Leave of Absence

If a student is approved for a Leave of Absence during the academic year, it is the student’s responsibility to meet with the financial aid office to adjust aid appropriately. If the student has borrowed Federal Direct Loans, students will go into repayment after six months of less than half time enrollment. Students must complete their exit counseling at www.studentloans.gov upon ceasing attendance between terms.

Unusual Enrollment History

The U.S. Department of Education has made efforts to prevent fraud and abuse in the Federal Pell Grant and Student Loan Program by identifying students with an unusual enrollment history (UEH). A UEH Flag indicates whether the student has an unusual enrollment history with regard to receiving Pell Grant funds and or Direct Loans and is intended to address possible fraud and abuse in the title IV student aid programs. ALL UEH flags must be reviewed by the University before a student can receive any Federal Student Aid. The University must review ALL UEH student’s Official Transcripts from all schools that they have attended over the past four years, and in some cases may go back further, before a student is cleared to receive any Federal student aid.

The specific enrollment pattern of concern to the U.S. Department of Education is where the student attends an institution long enough to receive Title IV credit balance funds, leaves without completing the enrollment period, enrolls at another institution, and repeats the pattern of remaining just long enough to collect another Title IV credit balance without having earned any academic credit.

Some students who have an unusual enrollment history have legitimate reasons for enrollment at multiple institutions. However, such an enrollment history requires a review to determine whether there are valid reasons for the unusual enrollment history.

Appeal Process

Before filing an appeal for reinstatement of financial aid, it is important that students seek assistance from an Academic Advisor or One-Stop Student Service Advisor to explore ways of eliminating unit deficiencies and to establish a realistic plan towards graduation. At the time of termination, the Financial Aid Office will provide the student with instructions on how to appeal. A copy of the appeal form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. When filing an appeal, please provide a full explanation, along with documentation, verifying the circumstances that led to the inability to meet the minimum progress requirements. It is important that a definite plan towards graduation is established. An Academic Success Plan should be completed with the assistance of an Academic Advisor or One-Stop Student Service Advisor and submitted along with the letter of appeal. Should the appeal be approved, it is important that the Academic Success Plan be realistic as the ability to adhere to the plan will be closely monitored. Failure to follow the courses and units outlined may be used as a basis for future denial of financial aid.

If the Appeal is Denied

Students that do not have their appeals approved will receive information regarding other alternatives available to them. Some options include:

1. Continuing enrollment at CBU without any financial assistance
2. Continuing enrollment at CBU with the assistance of private loans. The Financial Aid Office can provide the student with information on these loans.
3. Taking a leave of absence from CBU to make up a portion or all of the deficient units at a Community College. In this case a student will have to file an additional appeal to have aid reinstated once the student has completed the required units and demonstrated the ability to continue at CBU without incurring any additional deficiencies. The Financial Aid Office recommends that the student speak with Academic Advising to ensure that any classes taken elsewhere will count towards the student’s program.

Institutional Financial Aid Programs for Online and Professional Studies Students

Common Requirements for Institutional Programs

With regard to institutional financial assistance, the following common requirements have been established for all students enrolled in Online and Professional Studies:

1. All scholarships are applied directly to a student’s account. No cash distributions are made directly to the scholarship recipient. Scholarships are not transferable to any student other than the recipient.
2. In order to maintain aid eligibility, students receiving any financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress, as stated in this catalog.
3. Institutional scholarships are limited and may not be awarded if all available funds have been appropriated.
4. Students must submit all requested documents two weeks prior to the end of each Fall semester, Spring semester, and Summer semester.
5. All awards are based on full-time enrollment of 12 units per semester or session. Students enrolled for less than 12 units are eligible to receive aid, prorated accordingly.
6. All institutional aid is tuition-based. If a student receives additional non-institutional tuition-based aid (such as Cal Grant), the amount of tuition-based aid may need to be reduced so the total tuition-based aid does not exceed the cost of tuition.

Institutional Financial Aid Programs for Traditional Undergraduate Students

Common Requirements for all Institutional Aid

1. Students applying for institutional aid must apply for other forms of grant-based aid available through federal and state programs.
2. Institutional aid is applied to tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board charges only. Institutional aid consists of grants from California Baptist University and is not to exceed the total cost of tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board.
3. Institutional aid is applied directly to a student’s account. No cash distributions are made directly to the recipients. Institutional aid is not transferable to students other than the recipient.
4. Institutional aid recipients must maintain at least half-time enrollment in order to remain eligible. For financial aid purposes, half-time enrollment is defined as six (6) units. Institutional aid will be prorated to the enrollment status.
5. Unmarried students under 21 years of age who receive $8,500 or more institutional scholarships are required to reside in campus housing or with their parents/legal guardians. This policy does not apply to recipients of the Church-Related Vocation Scholarship.
6. Students receiving institutional aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress as stated in this catalog. Students receiving participation scholarships may remain eligible at the discretion of the department.
7. Institutional aid is coordinated and adjusted with other forms of aid and cannot exceed a student’s direct cost. If a student is a Cal Grant recipient, institutional aid cannot exceed the student’s calculated need per California Student Aid Commission policy.
8. Institutional aid may not be applied to travel/study abroad programs conducted by the University. This does not include the field practicum requirement for Intercultural Studies.
9. Students concurrently enrolled in other institutions are eligible for California Baptist University institutional aid based only on the units being taken at CBU.
10. General Institutional aid is awarded for the Fall and Spring Semesters only, unless otherwise indicated.
11. Individual departments may award scholarships for Fall, Spring, or Summer. Eligibility requirements, semesters of availability and amount of aid offered is at the discretion of the department. Students receiving “tuition discount,” through their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) cannot get other institutional aid. Students can only receive the MOU or institutional aid, whichever is greater.

Academic Scholarships - Traditional Programs

Merit Scholarships

Award amounts are listed for student enrolling for the first time at California Baptist University. Merit scholarship policy is established and approved at the highest administrative levels of the university and the scholarships are awarded yearly by entering class. Please note a merit scholarship will never increase for a current student based upon an increased grade point average or increased scholarship amounts of a new entering class. A merit scholarship will remain the same (or lowered by the grace provision) for the student’s entire time at the university. Please refer to previous catalogs for scholarship and grant information for enrollment that began prior to this catalog year.

California Baptist University Grant

Description

• The CBU Grant program is a merit and need-based grant offered to traditional undergraduate students.

Eligibility/Award

• Students are eligible to receive $2,000 per semester if financial need is determined and a cumulative GPA is a 2.0 or higher.
• Students must demonstrate need (as determined by the results of the FAFSA) to be eligible. This grant is available to new and continuing undergraduate traditional students. The grant is renewable dependent upon meeting eligibility requirements and availability of funds.
• The CBU Grant is coordinated with all other sources of aid and is subject to reduction based upon other aid sources received prior to and during the course of the academic year.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should complete the FAFSA and turn in all requested financial aid paperwork to the Financial Aid Office.

Director’s Scholarship

Eligibility

• The Director’s Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract and retain students of exceptional academic ability.
• The scholarship is available only to entering freshmen
• The recipient must have earned a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in a college preparatory program and a minimum SAT score of 990 or ACT composite score of 19.
• The scholarship is renewable annually provided a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA is maintained.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be given one probationary semester to restore the cumulative GPA to the minimum level.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below the minimum requirement, the recipient will be notified at the beginning of the spring semester that they must restore the GPA to the minimum level by the end of the current academic year. Students may enroll in the summer session in order to restore the required GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Financial Aid Office a copy of their summer grades prior to the start of the fall semester in order to reinstate eligibility for the subsequent year.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to $ 3,750 per semester for the Fall and Spring Semesters
• Scholarships will be awarded initially upon approval from the Admissions Office and are renewable annually as long as eligibility is maintained.

Dean’s Scholarship

Eligibility

• The Dean’s Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract and retain students of exceptional academic ability.
• The scholarship is available only to entering freshmen.
• The recipient must have earned a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale in a college preparatory program and a minimum SAT score of 1020 or ACT composite score of 21.
• The scholarship is renewable annually provided a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is maintained.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be given one probationary semester to restore the cumulative GPA to the minimum level.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be notified at the beginning of the spring semester that they must restore the GPA to the minimum level by the end of the current academic year. Students may enroll in summer sessions in order to restore the required GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Financial Aid Office a copy of their summer grades prior to the start of the fall semester in order to reinstate eligibility for the subsequent year.
• Should the student lose eligibility for the Dean’s Scholarship but still maintain eligibility for the Director’s Scholarship, the student may change academic scholarship status. Once the Dean’s scholarship is lost, it cannot be restored.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to $5,750 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Scholarships will be awarded initially upon approval from the Admissions Office and are renewable annually as long as eligibility is maintained.

President’s Scholarship

Eligibility

• The President’s Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract and retain students of exceptional academic ability.
• The scholarship is available only to entering freshmen.
• The recipient must have earned a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.75 on a 4.0 scale in a college preparatory program and a minimum SAT score of 1100 or ACT composite score of 24.
• The scholarship is renewable annually provided a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA is maintained.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be given one probationary semester to restore the GPA to the minimum level.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be notified at the beginning of the spring semester that they must restore the GPA to the minimum level by the end of the current academic year. Students may enroll in summer sessions in order to restore the required GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Financial Aid Office a copy of their summer grades prior to the start of the fall semester in order to reinstate eligibility for the subsequent year.
• Should the student lose eligibility for the President’s Scholarship, but still maintain eligibility for the Dean’s or Director’s Scholarship, the student may change academic scholarship status. Once President’s Scholarship status is lost, it cannot be restored.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to $6,250 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Scholarships will be awarded initially upon approval from the Admissions Office and are renewable annually as long as eligibility is maintained.

Trustee’s Scholarship

Eligibility

• The Trustee’s Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract and retain students of exceptional academic ability. The scholarship is available only to entering freshmen.
• The recipient must have earned a cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 and above on a 4.0 scale, in a college preparatory program, and a minimum SAT score of 1200 or ACT composite score of 25.
• The scholarship is renewable annually provided a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA is maintained.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be given one probationary semester to restore the GPA to the minimum level.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be notified at the beginning of the spring semester that they must restore the cumulative GPA to the minimum level by the end of the current academic year. Students may enroll in summer sessions in order to restore the required GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Financial Aid Office a copy of their summer grades prior to the start of the fall semester in order to reinstate eligibility for the subsequent year.
• Should the student lose eligibility for the Trustee’s Scholarship, but still maintain eligibility for the President’s, Dean’s, or Director’s Scholarship, the student may change academic scholarship status. Once the Trustee’s Scholarship status is lost, it cannot be restored.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to $6,750 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Scholarships will be awarded initially upon approval from the Admissions Office and are renewable annually as long as eligibility is maintained.

Transfer BLUE Scholarship

Eligibility

• The Transfer BLUE Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract and retain students of exceptional academic ability.
• The scholarship is available only to incoming transfer students who have completed 24 or more units from a regionally accredited university.
• The recipient must have earned a college cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or above.
• The scholarship is renewable annually provided a minimum 3.0 GPA is maintained.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be given one probationary semester to restore the GPA to the minimum level.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be notified at the beginning of the Spring semester that they must restore the cumulative GPA to the minimum level by the end of the current academic year. Students may enroll in summer sessions in order to restore the required GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Financial Aid Office a copy of their summer grades in order to reinstate eligibility for the subsequent year.
• Once the Transfer BLUE Scholarship status is lost it cannot be restored.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to $3,750 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Scholarships will be awarded initially upon approval from the Admissions Office and are renewable annually as long as eligibility is maintained.

Transfer GOLD Scholarship

Eligibility

• The Transfer GOLD Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship designed to attract and retain students of exceptional academic ability.
• The scholarship is available only to incoming transfer students who have completed 24 or more units from a regionally accredited university.
• The recipient must have earned a college cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 or above.
• The scholarship is renewable annually provided a minimum 3.2 GPA is maintained.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be given one probationary semester to restore the GPA to the minimum level.
• Should the cumulative GPA drop below this requirement, the recipient will be notified at the beginning of the Spring semester that they must restore the cumulative GPA to the minimum level by the end of the current academic year. Students may enroll in summer sessions in order to restore the required GPA. It is the responsibility of the student to provide the Financial Aid Office a copy of their summer grades in order to reinstate eligibility for the subsequent year.
• Should the student lose eligibility for the Transfer GOLD Scholarship, but maintain eligibility for the Transfer BLUE Scholarship the student may change academic scholarship status. Once the Transfer GOLD Scholarship status is lost it cannot be restored.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to $4,750 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Scholarships will be awarded initially upon approval from the Admissions Office and are renewable annually as long as eligibility is maintained.

Participant Scholarships - Traditional Programs

Architecture Scholarship

Description

• The Architecture Scholarship is designed for students who are serious about pursuing architecture.

Award

• Award amounts are determined by the College of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the College of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design.

Athletic Scholarship

Description

• The Athletic Scholarship is designed to assist students who have been chosen to represent the University on one of the intercollegiate athletic teams.

Eligibility

• A recipient must be selected for participation on one of the University’s athletic teams.
• A recipient must meet eligibility requirements of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), The Pacific West Conference, and institutional policy.
• A recipient must sign a participant agreement and an Athletic Grant In Aid Form with the University.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to full tuition, required fees, room, and board per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Scholarships will be accepted by signature of an Athletic Grant In Aid Form.
• Scholarships are awarded in accordance with NCAA and institutional bylaws, regulations, and policies.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the Athletic Department. If the student is offered a scholarship, they will receive a letter from the Financial Aid Office.

Bachelor of Applied Theology Scholarship

Description

• The Bachelor of Applied Theology (BAT) Scholarship is designed to assist students that are preparing to be pastors and church leaders.

Eligibility

• Student must apply and be accepted to the BAT program.
• Students must sign the program contract with the School of Christian Ministries.
• Student must complete a FAFSA.

Award

• The award varies each year as approved by the Dean of the School of Christian Ministries and by the President of the University.
• BAT scholarship recipients are eligible to receive VA Yellow Ribbon.
• BAT scholarship recipients are eligible to receive participation-based scholarships.
• BAT scholarship recipients are eligible to receive donor scholarships.
• BAT scholarship recipients are not eligible to receive other institutional aid.

Procedure

• Applicants should apply directly with the School of Christian Ministries.

College of Health Science Scholarship

Description

• The College of Health Science Scholarships are designed to assist students who plan to major in Communication Science and Disorders, Clinical Health Science, Health Education, Health Science, Healthcare Administration, Kinesiology and Pre-Physical Therapy.
• Current scholarships available: College of Health Science Scholarship, Clinical Health Science Scholarship, Department of Public Health Sciences Scholarship.

Eligibility

• Recipients are selected by the College of Allied Health in the spring and summer prior to the award year.
• Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 units per semester, including a minimum of 2 courses per academic year that are listed as a requirement within the respective College of Allied Health major.

Award

• Recipients may receive up to $2,000 per year divided evenly for the Fall and Spring semesters. Scholarships are renewable each year, but satisfactory academic progress must be maintained to qualify for scholarship renewal.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the College of Health Science.

Construction Management Scholarship

Description

• The Construction Management Scholarship is designed to attract and assist students who plan to major in Construction Management.

Eligibility

• Recipients are selected by the College of Engineering in the spring and summer prior to the award year and must be a declared Construction Management Major. Students must also be enrolled in a minimum of 15 units per semester. Their enrollment must consist of a minimum of two courses per academic year that are listed as required courses for the Construction Management major in the University catalog.

Award

• Recipients may receive up to $2,500 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters. The scholarships are typically renewable based on academic standing.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the College of Engineering.

Engineering Scholarship

Description

• The Engineering Scholarship is designed to attract and assist students who plan to major in engineering.

Eligibility

• Recipients are selected by the College of Engineering in the spring and summer prior to the award year. Most of the scholarships are awarded for academic achievement prior to coming to CBU based on transcripts, and SAT or ACT scores.

Award

• The award amount varies each year as approved by the Dean of the School of Engineering. The scholarships are typically renewable provided students take and achieve a B- or better in all courses required for engineering each semester.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the College of Engineering.

Graphic Design Scholarship

Description

• The Graphic Design Scholarship is designed for students who are serious about pursuing art.

Award

• Award amounts are determined by the College of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the College of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design.

Journalism and Speech/Debate Scholarship

Description

• The Journalism and Speech/Debate Scholarship is designed to attract and assist students who have been selected for participation in journalism or speech and debate.
• A recipient must be selected by the Communication Arts Department for participation in the publication of The Banner Student Newspaper, The Angelos Yearbook, or the Forensic Speech and Debate Team.

Award

• The award amount varies each year as approved by the department.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the Communication Arts Department.

Music Scholarship

Description

• The Music Scholarship is designed to attract and assist students who have been chosen for participation in one of the University’s music performance groups.

Eligibility

• A recipient must be selected by the School of Music for participation in a music performance group or as a staff accompanist. A recipient must sign a contractual agreement with the School of Music.
• Ensemble members or music students receiving a music scholarship are required to make normal academic progress in their academic studies. Normal academic progress is defined as enrolling in and successfully completing the proper sequence of courses listed in the current School of Music Handbook each semester. Students must comply with departmental procedures and make satisfactory progress toward their degree as reviewed by the School of Music faculty. This review can occur at any point during the semester or academic year.

Award

• Recipients may receive varying amounts for the Fall and Spring semesters.
• Music scholarships are awarded on a semester-by-semester basis only.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the School of Music.

ROTC Room and Board Scholarship

Description

• The Room and Board Scholarship is designed to assist students who receive full tuition scholarships from one of the US Military branches of service.

Eligibility

• Recipients of the Room and Board Scholarship must be recipients of full tuition scholarships provided by the military.
• Applicants must complete a FAFSA to receive the Room and Board Scholarship.

Award

• Recipients will be awarded the amount of a meal plan and semi-private room. When applicable, the total award package, including other federal, state, and institutional aid, may be adjusted to avoid exceeding direct cost.

Procedure

• Interested students should inquire with the office of the Assistant Professor for Military Science to the Office of the Provost.

Theater Arts Scholarship

Description

• The Theater Arts Scholarship is designed to attract and assist students who have been selected for participation in annual drama and theater productions.
• A recipient must be selected by the Communication Arts Department for participation in the major play production (dramatic or technical) or drama ministry teams.

Award

• Award amounts are determined by the Theater Department.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the Communication Arts Department.

Visual Arts Scholarship

Description

• The Art Scholarship is designed for students who are serious about pursuing art.

Award

• Award amounts are determined by the College of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should apply directly with the College of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design.

Other Scholarships

Church-Related Vocation (CRV) Scholarship

Description

• The Church-Related Vocation (CRV) Scholarship is designed to assist students who are preparing for a vocation as a minister.

Eligibility

• The recipient must be a Southern Baptist student preparing for vocational ministry as a minister of education, music, children, youth, pastor, missionary, or denominational minister through the Southern Baptist Convention.
• Applicants for the scholarship must be interviewed and recommended by a faculty member of the School of Christian Ministries.
• Recipients must satisfactorily participate in the Supervised Ministry Program for students preparing for ministry in a church-related vocation.
• Recipients must complete at least nine (9) units of upper division coursework within the School of Christian Ministries.
• A local Southern Baptist Church must certify the recipient’s status. Satisfactory church attendance and participation are required.
• The scholarship is renewable annually, with approval of the Dean of the School of Christian Ministries.

Award

• Recipients who have earned less than sixty (60) units may receive up to $750 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters. Recipients who have earned sixty (60) or more units may receive up to $1,000 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Procedure

• Applications are available in the School of Christian Ministries.

International Mission Board Scholarship

Description

• The International Mission Board Scholarship assists the dependent children of missionary families supported by the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board.

Eligibility

• The recipient must be the dependent child (as determined by the FAFSA) of a missionary family supported by the Southern Baptist Convention International Mission Board.
• The recipient must be a traditional undergraduate student.
• Recipients must complete the FAFSA each academic year.
• The recipient must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Award

• Recipients will be awarded 75% of tuition. All other fees, including room and board charges, are the responsibility of the student.
  (effective Fall 2019 for new incoming students).
• A recipient is not eligible for any additional institutional aid.
• The scholarship will cover degree applicable courses for the first bachelor’s degree.
• If the recipient is a Cal Grant recipient, he or she can receive the scholarship up to direct cost. Direct cost can include room and board.
• International Missions Board Scholarships are awarded during all academic terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should inquire with the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Minister’s Kin Scholarship

Description

• The Minister’s Kin Scholarship assists the dependent children of evangelical ministers.

Eligibility

• The recipient must be the dependent child (as determined by the FAFSA) of a minister engaged in full-time service as a pastor, minister of education, music, children, youth, chaplain, missionary appointed by the Southern Baptist North American Mission Board or denominational employee engaged in a full-time vocational ministry. Students receiving a Bachelor’s of Applied Theology are not eligible for a Minister’s Kin Scholarship.
• The scholarship is renewable annually.

Award

• A recipient may receive up to $1,625 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should inquire directly with the Admissions Office.

Multiple Sibling Discount

Description

• The Multiple Sibling Discount is designed to assist dependent students from families with two or more members who are simultaneously attending California Baptist University on a full-time basis.

Eligibility

• Recipients must be immediate members of the same family (siblings) in which two or more family members are currently enrolled at California Baptist University on a full-time basis.
• Online and Professional students are not eligible.
• Siblings must both be dependent students as defined by the FAFSA.

Award

• Recipients receive $1,000 per semester for the Fall and Spring semesters.

Procedure

• Potential recipients should complete the FAFSA and turn in all required paperwork to the Financial Aid Office. New students should inquire directly with the Admissions Office.

VA Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarship

Description

• The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. The program provides for an agreement between CBU and the Veteran Administration to award scholarships to qualified VA students to fund tuition and fees that exceed benefits available under the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Under the agreement VA will match CBU’s scholarship contribution.

Eligibility

• Student must qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill through Veteran’s Administration and elect to receive benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill program.
• Students must qualify for Yellow Ribbon program benefits as defined by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.

Award

• Recipients may receive varying amounts to be determined by semester enrollment, tuition and fee charges.
• Recipients will be awarded in the current and subsequent academic years in which the university participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and the student maintains continued enrollment, conduct, and attendance.

Procedure

• Students who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program as determined by their VA Certificate of Eligibility should apply directly with the Office of the University Registrar.

Federal Financial Aid Programs for Undergraduate Students

Common Requirements for All Federal Programs

1. All students applying for federal aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It must be valid and have an official EFC.
2. All federal aid recipients must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen.
3. All federal aid recipients must not be in default of a student loan and not owe for an overpayment of any federal educational grant.
4. All federal aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress according to institutional standards as stated in this catalog.
5. Students concurrently enrolled at other institutions will only be eligible to receive financial aid for registered units at California Baptist University, unless there is an approved consortium agreement.

Note: Federal programs are subject to change at any time.

Federal Pell Grant

Description

• The federal Pell Grant is a federally-funded, need-based grant available to undergraduate students as determined by the U. S. Department of Education.

Eligibility

• Eligibility for the federal Pell Grant is determined by the federal government according to a formula developed by the U.S. Department of Education and approved annually by Congress.
• Students must submit a FAFSA to determine eligibility. Students will be notified of eligibility via the Student Aid Report (SAR).
• If a student has less than 100% of Pell grant eligibility for the year, then the maximum amount that can be awarded is added to their first term. Any remaining eligible amount is added their subsequent term.
• Students enrolled less than half time may qualify for a portion of their Pell Grant.

Award

• Award amounts vary based on the annual amount approved by Congress and the student’s eligibility based on the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Description

• The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a federally-funded, need-based, campus-based grant designed to supplement other sources of financial aid for students who qualify for additional assistance.

Eligibility

• Eligibility is determined by a student’s expected family contribution (EFC). Students with the lowest EFC will be awarded first. Priority will be given to students with completed financial aid files. Availability is limited.

Award

• In general, the award is up to $1000 per year, divided equally among semesters of enrollment.
• The semester award amount will be prorated for less than full-time enrollment.

Federal Work Study Program

Description

• Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally-funded, need-based, campus-based work program designed to assist undergraduate and graduate students desiring a job on campus to help earn money for their educational expenses.

Eligibility

• Eligibility is determined by a student’s financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA. Availability is limited.

Award

• FWS funds are not disbursed separately to the student, nor applied to the students account; they are included in the student’s regular paycheck. Work Study awards indicate a maximum amount for which a student is eligible. Student’s earnings will be monitored each pay period and counted toward their eligibility.

Procedure

• Students obtain an employment application from Career Services. The application is reviewed by Financial Aid for FWS eligibility. Once employment is obtained, FWS will be applied. FWS amounts are based on hours worked and financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Federal Perkins Loan

Description

• The Perkins Loan Extension Act of 2015 amended HEA section 461 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, to end an institution’s authority to make new Perkins Loans to graduate students on September 30, 2016 and to undergraduate students September 30, 2017. While some eligible students were to receive Perkins Loan disbursements through the 2017-2018 award year, “no Perkins Loan disbursements are permitted after June 30, 2018, under any circumstances.” (DCL ID: GEN-17-10). As a result, CBU will no longer award Perkins Loans to students.

Federal Direct Loan

Description

• The Federal Direct Loan is a low-interest loan available to students who have financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA. The loan is made to the student by the US Department of Education through the Direct Loan Program. Students should refer to www.nslds.ed.gov regarding payment details and servicer information for their Direct loan repayments. Interest rates subject to change upon congressional and presidential action.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loan Interest Rates - No interest accrues while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time and repayment begins six months after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half time enrollment.
Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan Interest Rates - Interest begins accruing after the first disbursement. The student is responsible for any interest accrued but can defer the interest with the principle of the loan. Unsubsidized loans have a fixed interest rate calculated yearly based upon the ten year Treasury note index, plus an add-on determined by congress. The interest rate is capped at 9.5%.

Eligibility

• Students are allowed subsidized loans for 150% of the published time frame for the program of study, if otherwise eligible.
• Eligibility is determined by a student’s financial need and grade level.
• First-time borrowers and transfer students must complete entrance counseling before any funds will be disbursed. Upon withdrawal from the university or graduation, all recipients must also complete exit counseling.
• Funds will be disbursed via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer).

Award

• See following chart for eligibility amounts.

Annual and Aggregate Loan Limits

Federal Direct Loans

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Description

• Federal PLUS loans are available to credit worthy parent borrowers. Loans are made by the U.S. Department of Education. Repayment of PLUS loans begin within 60 days after final disbursement is made to the school unless the borrower requests a loan deferment. Fixed interest rates are determine yearly by Congress, not to exceed 9%. For loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2017 and before July 1, 2018, the interest rate is 7%.

Eligibility

• Eligibility is dependent upon the amount of other financial aid a student receives. Federal PLUS loans are not need-based; however, when added to the student’s financial aid, the total may not exceed the students cost of attendance.

Award

• Under the federal PLUS loan program, a parent may be eligible to borrow up to the difference between university costs and other aid received each academic year.

Note: Additional Direct loans may also be available for dependent students whose parents did not qualify for a PLUS loan. A PLUS application must have been denied by the US Department of Education, prior to a dependent student receiving any additional unsubsidized loan.

State Financial Aid Programs

Common Requirements for State Programs

1. All students applying for new Cal Grant awards must submit a FAFSA and a GPA verification form by the published deadline (usually March 2). Current Cal Grant recipients must also submit the FAFSA to determine renewal of Cal Grant eligibility.
2. All students applying for state aid must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, eligible non-citizens or, eligible AB540 student as determined by the state of California.
3. All state aid recipients must be residents of California. Until age 18, the student’s residency status is determined by that of the parents. After age 18, the student’s personal residency must be verified.
4. All state aid recipients must maintain at least half-time enrollment in order to be eligible to receive Cal Grant. For financial aid purposes, half-time enrollment is defined as six (6) units. Award amounts will be prorated for students enrolled less than full time in any semester or term.
5. All state aid recipients must not be in default on a student loan and not owe a refund on any state or federal educational grant.
6. All state aid recipients must make satisfactory academic progress as explained under the Satisfactory Academic Progress section of this catalog.
7. California Baptist University does not have a mandatory fifth year program.
8. If a student becomes a Cal Grant recipient, other awarded institutional aid may be reduced to prevent Cal Grant and institutional aid from exceeding demonstrated financial need.
9. Students concurrently enrolled at other institutions will only be eligible to receive financial aid for registered units at California Baptist University.
10. AB540 eligible students must complete the Worksheet for California Dream Act by the March 2nd deadline. Additional documentation may be required. Please visit www.csac.ca.gov for complete details.

Cal Grant A

Description

• The Cal Grant A is a state-funded, need and merit-based grant that provides tuition and fee assistance to eligible students.

Eligibility

• Eligibility is determined by a student’s financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA and cumulative GPA. Please consult the Financial Aid Office for further information regarding eligibility and funding levels.

Award

• Based on eligibility, Cal Grant A funds are awarded for tuition and fees only.
• Amounts are determined annually by the state legislature and administered by the California Student Aid Commission.
• Students interested in pursuing a Teaching Credential may be eligible for a 5th year Teaching Credential extension. Please see the Financial Aid Office for further information.

Cal Grant B

Description

• The Cal Grant B is a state-funded, need-based grant that provides tuition and fee assistance and an access allowance to students from low income families.

Eligibility

• Eligibility is determined by a student’s financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA and cumulative GPA. Please consult the Financial Aid Office for further information regarding eligibility and funding levels.

Award

• Cal Grant B first-year, full-time recipients receive an access allowance only. The access allowance may vary according to state funding levels. In subsequent years, a Cal Grant B recipient enrolled full-time receives tuition and fee assistance in addition to the access allowance. The tuition and fee assistance award may vary according to state funding levels.
• Cal Grant B first-year recipients who are receiving the access portion only may be eligible to receive the CBU Cal B Assistance grant. The CBU Cal B Assistance is awarded only during the first year of a Cal Grant B award and should not exceed $6,386.
• Amounts are determined annually by the state legislature and administered by the California Student Aid Commission.
• Students have the option to apply the access portion of their Cal Grant B to their outstanding balance on their student account, or, the student can request a personal receipt of the funds prior to the funds disbursing to use for educational purposes such as books and supplies. Students may contact the Financial Aid Office for more information regarding the access portion of their Cal Grant B.

Private Financial Aid Programs

Complete information regarding scholarships listed and other private donor scholarships that are available to current California Baptist University students may be obtained at https://insidecbu.calbaptist.edu/ICS/Financial_Aid.