General questions:

What are the classes like? Most of the classes at CCBC are in-depth studies of Bible books (like “Genesis”, “John”, and “Romans”). Other classes are topical, such as “Bible Study Methods”, “Worship Band”, and “Apologetic Evangelism”). Most of your time at CCBC will be focused on learning the Word of God, even in the topical courses, since we know that God wants to work through His Word to transform our character and equip us to serve Him. In the Chuck Smith Bible Survey courses, you will study through every chapter of the Bible. In the Practical Christian Ministry course everyone serves in some practical way on campus. We also get together regularly to pray and worship as the whole student body, and in smaller prayer groups. Click here to see a short video on our classes.

What size are the classes? Some are very big; others are quite small. Some electives offer a very personal atmosphere with only a handful of students, while other classes have well over a hundred students. Most students have a variety of small and large classes.

What are the demographics of the student body? CCBC, like the kingdom of God, brings together all kinds of people (see Revelation 7:9)! You will probably make new friends at CCBC that will last a lifetime, since so many people come together here with the common goal of studying the Word of God to grow closer to Him. The natural result is that people also get closer to each other, with friendships centered in the Lord. We don’t identify or categorize students by ethnic background, but people of all ages, ethnicities, and nationalities come to CCBC to draw near to God together by studying His Word. We have approximately equal numbers of male and female students, students from all over the US, and many international students as well.

Are all the students from Calvary Chapel churches? Although most students do have some connection to a Calvary Chapel fellowship, CCBC welcomes followers of Jesus from many other churches.

What does one do with a degree from Bible College? Since CCBC is a Bible College, it will probably not qualify you for a specific career. As you prepare for your future, CCBC’s goal is to help you know your Creator better and be equipped to serve Him in any career He directs you into. However, a degree from CCBC can be an added benefit to the experience of learning the Word and growing spiritually. Many accredited seminaries accept students who have earned the Bachelor of Biblical Studies from CCBC into Masters degree programs. Although some churches may see a degree from CCBC as a positive qualification for a position in ministry and some secular employers have accepted a degree from CCBC as meeting their requirements, CCBC does not make any claims as to job placement after CCBC.

Will other colleges accept CCBC credits? Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Although CCBC is not accredited, many accredited Christian colleges and universities regard CCBC as a credible program and accept credits in transfer, at their discretion. Often people come to CCBC thinking only of deepening their relationship with the Lord, not the degree or the college-level credits. Later, when the Lord directs them to continue their college education, it is a nice surprise when some of the credits transfer to a Christian college where they can major in a specific discipline. If accepted, these credits would apply toward the Bible/theology portion of that college’s program. Many accredited seminaries accept students into their Master’s degree programs who graduate from CCBC with the Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree. Although it is not our main purpose, we do try to serve our students best by doing everything we can to help their credits transfer to other Christian colleges. For a list of some of the schools that have accepted CCBC credits, please follow this link to the CCBC Catalog here, or email the CCBC Registrar at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Is CCBC accredited? No, CCBC is not accredited. So far the leadership of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa have chosen not to pursue accreditation for the Bible College.  CCBC is a religious-exempt institution as verified by the State of California’s Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. More information on accreditation is available in the CCBC General Catalog. Click here to download our catalog.

When do I register for classes? For the Fall 2012 semester, all students will register for classes during Registration and Orientation Week, August 27th through 29th.

What is the city of Murrieta like? CCBC is located right in the middle of the sister cities of Murrieta and Temecula. The population of the two cities is about 200,000 and they are among the fastest growing cities in the state of California. The Temecula Promenade shopping mall is two miles down the road, with an Edwards Cinema, Apple computer store, Macy’s, Gap, Old Navy, Forever 21, and lots of other stores. There are plenty of ways to have fun off campus, such as hiking and mountain bike trails, miniature golf, and sports parks. Most major attractions are only about an hour away: San Diego and L.A., beaches, mountains for hiking and skiing, Disneyland, etc.

Living on campus:

Are meals provided? Yes, meals are provided in the cafeteria 3 times a day, 7 days per week.

Is there a salad bar? Yes, the salad bar is normally provided for both lunch and dinner.

What do students with food allergies do? If you have a food allergy, you can meet with the chef to go over the menu and plan your meals. Although we cannot cook custom meals, we will provide a way for you to store and refrigerate your own food to substitute for the meals you are unable to eat.

Is there married housing? Currently CCBC cannot accommodate married couples on campus, but we do keep a list of rooms for rent in the local community, and there are many apartments for rent near the campus. Please call our Front Office at 951.696.5944 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it after your application is accepted and we can send you the list.

Do I need to have a laptop? We highly recommend that you bring a laptop computer, since all students receive Logos Bible Software to help with studying the Bible in-depth. Most of the required textbooks for classes are part of the Logos Software. We do have general use computers available for typing homework assignments and Internet use, but Logos Bible Software is not on these computers since it is licensed individually to each student.

Do I need to bring my own bedding? A mattress cover is provided for each student, but you will need to bring your own pillow, sheets, and covers. Many students also like to bring a mattress pad for extra comfort. The mattresses were replaced recently but a little extra comfort is always nice. The mattresses are regular twin size.

How do I get mail? You can receive mail and packages at CCBC on a daily basis in the Mail Room, located between the Library and the Computer Lab. Your address will be “Your Name” at 39407 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. Murrieta, CA 92563.

Do I need to have a car? You are welcome to bring a car, but you can certainly get by without one. A bike would help, though!

How far away are stores? There are two shopping centers across the street from the campus, with a Fresh & Easy grocery store, fast food, gas stations, and convenience stores. Wal-Mart is about 2 miles from the campus and Target is also in town, a little farther away.

How do I wash my laundry? Laundry facilities are provided on campus. They are located in some of the dorm buildings and the main Laundry Room. The machines are coin operated and cost $1.50 per load (not including detergent) for both wash and dry ($.75 each).

How much spending money will I need? It’s hard to know an exact figure, but you will need some cash for laundry, a few dollars to pitch in with your roommates for cleaning supplies and dorm needs, printing homework assignments in the Library ($.10 per page), eating out occasionally, and activities off campus.

Can I request to be in a room with someone? Yes, please email your request to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it after your application is accepted. We cannot guarantee that your request will be accommodated, but we will do our very best!

Financial questions:

Does CCBC offer any financial aid? CCBC does not offer any in-house financial aid, so $3250 is the total cost for every on-campus student per semester. Many students receive financial support from their local churches or family members who see the value in giving you a chance to draw closer to the Lord by dedicating time to study His Word. Churches and individuals can directly pay toward a student’s tuition by calling the CCBC Front Office. CCBC makes every effort to keep the cost as low as possible for students, giving you a better chance of being free from a large burden of debt. CCBC is a ministry of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

What if you don't have health insurance? All on-campus students are required to have health insurance. If you will not be able to make these arrangements before you arrive, please call the Front Office at 951.696.5944 as soon as possible.