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Baylor University

Baylor University

Waco, TX · City · 14,785 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Nov 1 · Early Action · in 30 days
Checked Sep 2026 · admissions.web.baylor.edu
$41,104
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
80%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
70% typical
$65,793
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$63,395 typical
51%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
73% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

Baylor University is a premier private Christian research university in Waco, Texas, distinguished as an R1 institution that seamlessly blends high-level academic inquiry with an intentionally faith-centered mission. The university is widely recognized for its robust pre-health tracks, the nationally ranked Hankamer School of Business, and exceptional programs in nursing and engineering. Campus culture is vibrant and close-knit, driven by passionate Big 12 athletic spirit, active student organizations, and deeply cherished traditions like the Baylor Line and the nation’s oldest collegiate Homecoming. Unique touches, such as having live North American black bears residing on campus and an emphasis on servant leadership, make the Baylor experience both distinctive and community-focused.

Wikipedia:Baylor University is a private Baptist research university in Waco, Texas, United States. It was chartered in 1845 by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas. Located on the banks of the Brazos River next to I-35, between the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and Austin. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.

Location
Waco, TX, 76798 · City campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
DFW · Dallas/Fort Worth
93 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$58,100
Housing & food (on campus)$15,314
Books & supplies$1,498
Cost of attendance$74,226
Average net price$41,104
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$58,100
Housing & food (on campus)$15,314
Books & supplies$1,498
Cost of attendance$74,226
Average net price$41,104
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$22,024
$30–48k
$21,530
$48–75k
$33,902
$75–110k
$38,852
$110k+
$47,895
Merit aid · 2024-25
Awarded without financial need. Students with financial need can get merit awards too; they're counted as need-based aid.
Average award$17,382
First-years who got one1,433
Source: Baylor University's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures (PDF).
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
80%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
68%
Back for yr 2
91%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
82% graduated · 15% transferred · 3% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$56,532
10 yrs after entry$65,793
Debt
Median at graduation$23,000
Monthly payment$244
Middle 50% owe$8.8k–$27k
90th percentile$33,250
Green marks a figure above the typical Doctoral University: 70% graduate within 6 yrs, $63,395 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
51%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1329
R 610–700 · M 590–700
ACT midpoint
29
Comp 27–32 · E 26–34 · M 25–30
SAT middle 50%: 1200–1400
40080012001600
Application deadlines · first-year, fall 2027 entry
Early Action
Nov 1 2026
in 30 days · November 1 Non-Binding is…
Not binding: apply early, hear early, and you can still apply elsewhere.
Regular Decision
Feb 1 2027
in 122 days · February 1 Non-Binding is…
Not binding: the standard deadline.
Checked Sep 2026 · admissions.web.baylor.edu · Confirm on the school's site before you apply.

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Essay prompts
How much essays count at Baylor University: Important (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Baylor University's Common Data Set for 2024-25 — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures (PDF).
From Baylor University (admissions.web.baylor.edu) · 2026–27 application · checked Sep 28, 2026
  • What are you looking for in a university, why do you want to attend Baylor, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Baylor community?
    about 450 words · Optional

Quoted from Baylor University's own page. The application itself is the final word.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 41%Women 59%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
15 : 1
Pell grant
12%
First-gen
17%
Family income
$80,000
Independent
6%
Veterans
0%
Age at entry
20.0
Part-time
2%
Race & ethnicity
White
60%
Hispanic
18%
Black
5%
Asian
9%
Two or more
5%
Non-resident
3%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division I-FBS · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Equestrian
    Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Gymnastics
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$56,532
After 10 yrs
$65,793
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing362
Marketing253
Biology, General236
Business Administration, Management and Operations223
Finance and Financial Management Services188
Communication and Media Studies174
Accounting and Related Services171
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs166
Psychology, General151
Management Information Systems and Services140
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations125
Political Science and Government99
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services99
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology84
Neurobiology and Neurosciences81
Business/Commerce, General79
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$2.1B
Full-time faculty
67%
Faculty salary
$11,998/mo
Teaching spend
$15,852
per student
Federal loans
31%
Classification
Carnegie type
Doctoral University
Research activity
R1 — very high research
$135M research spending · 280 research doctorates a year
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Baylor University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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