Baylor University
About Baylor University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Baylor University is a private Christian university in Waco, Texas. It is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas and offers strong programs in business, law, nursing, and engineering. Baylor competes in the Big 12 Conference.
Founded
1845
Location
Waco, Texas
Students
20,496
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
51.3%
Moderately selective
Graduation Rate
80%
Above national average
Tuition
$58,100
Per year
Avg Net Price
$41,104
After financial aid
SAT Average
1329
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$65,793
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Selective
51.3 out of 100 applicants get in
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
Nov 1
Regular
Feb 15
Baylor University accepts 51.3% of applicants and doesn't require standardized tests. Focus on your grades and personal statement, and you have a solid chance.
SAT Scores
1329/ 1600
ACT Scores
29/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Above Average
80% complete their degree within six years
Retention
91%
4-Year Grad
68%
6-Year Grad
82%
Teaching Quality
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
67.3%
$/Student
$15.9K
Class Size
Medium
68% graduate in 4 years, and 91% of freshmen return for year two. The retention rate suggests students are happy with their experience.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$58,100
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,314
Books & Supplies
$1,498
Total Cost of Attendance
$74,226
After Financial Aid
$41,104
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$22,024
Receive Grants
12.5%
Take Loans
31.2%
The total cost of attendance runs about $74,226/yr, including $15,314 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $41,104.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Baylor University fund their education.
While in School
12.5%
Get Grants
Free money
31.2%
Take Loans
Must repay
$80,000
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$23,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$244/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 31.2% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $23,000. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Baylor University.
Gender
59.3%
Female
41%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
14,785
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,711
Graduates
17.1%
First-Gen
20 yrs
Avg Age
2.1%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 17.1% are first-generation college students.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Midsize
Campus Quick Facts
14,785
Students
private
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R1 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
What Students Say
Pros
- +Waco has become a destination city with Magnolia Market
- +Beautiful campus along the Brazos River
- +Strong pre-med and business programs
- +Tight-knit Baptist community with school spirit
Cons
- -Waco is still a small city with limited options
- -Mandatory chapel attendance required
- -Hot Texas heat from May through September
- -Conservative Baptist culture not for everyone
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Baylor University fields 11 varsity teams with 662 student athletes, about 4% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
Big Twelve
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
662
4% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
42% / 58%
277
Men
385
Women
6
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Baylor Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$65,793
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$75K
362 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$57K
253 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$24K
236 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$63K
223 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$68K
188 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$44K
174 grads
1yr Earnings
Earnings grow steadily here: $57K at six years, $51K at eight, and $66K by ten. Well above average at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Baylor University
What is the acceptance rate at Baylor University?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.