Baylor University logo

Baylor University

Waco, TX Private ยท Urban www.baylor.edu
Accept Rate
50.99%
Grad Rate
80.8%
Enrollment
15,007
Avg SAT
1313
Tuition
$54,844
Median Salary
$65,793
Overall Grade
C
B+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Baylor offers a spirited, faith-centered community where school pride runs deep, anchored by Division I athletics and a welcoming Southern atmosphere. Students often describe the campus as a supportive family where it's easy to get involved and feel connected.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

50.99%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 131375th Pctl
12101400
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2975th Pctl
2732
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Highlight leadership and service in your application, as Baylor values community engagement and faith-based involvement. Aim for an SAT score around 1313 or higher to be competitive, and apply early to maximize merit scholarship consideration."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1313
40080012001600
School range: 1210โ€“1400

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Baylor is nationally recognized for its business, health professions, and biology programs, supported by strong undergraduate research opportunities. Small class sizes and engaged faculty foster a collaborative, hands-on learning environment.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
27.6%
Health Professions
21%
Biology & Biomedical
11.6%
Communications
6%
Social Sciences
5.4%
Psychology
4.3%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.8%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.1%
Education
2.8%
Engineering
2.5%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2%
Family & Consumer Science
1.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

80.8%
Graduation Rate
90.6%
Retention Rate
15,007
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$54,844
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$41,942
After financial aid
Total Cost
$70,130
Cost of attendance/year
13%
Receive Pell Grants
33.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Waco

Students enjoy Wacoโ€™s outdoors along the Brazos River and Cameron Park, plus the popular Magnolia Market at the Silos for food, shopping, and live music. The city offers a growing arts scene, local coffee shops, and weekend festivals, while Dallas and Austin are easy road trips.

Local Rent Check

$1,011 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Waco
Explore Waco

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$219,376
$0Est. 4 Years: $219,376

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($65,793):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Baylor maintains a safe campus with 24/7 police patrols and emergency alert systems. Waco is generally student-friendly, though standard urban precautions are advised when exploring off-campus areas.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong academics with top programs in business, health, and sciences and robust undergraduate research
  • โœ“ High retention and graduation rates reflecting supportive advising and community
  • โœ“ Vibrant campus life with major NCAA athletics and many student organizations
  • โœ“ Faith-integrated learning environment appealing to students seeking values-based education

Cons

  • โœ— High net price with limited Pell Grant access compared to peers
  • โœ— Urban setting in Waco may feel smaller or less diverse than major metros
  • โœ— Religious affiliation may not suit students seeking a secular campus culture

Notable Alumni

Mike Sepcich
Baylor alum and healthcare leader known for advancing patient safety initiatives.
John F. (John) Baugh
Notable linguist and sociolinguist with significant contributions to the study of African American English.
Ken Cook
Co-founder of the Environmental Working Group, a leading nonprofit advocating for environmental health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baylor is known for its business school, pre-health and nursing pathways, and nationally competitive programs in biology and biomedical sciences. It also stands out for its Christian mission, Division I athletics, and commitment to undergraduate research and service.

Baylor has a 50.99% acceptance rate, indicating a moderately selective admissions process. The middle 50% SAT range is roughly 1240โ€“1380, with an average around 1313; a strong GPA, meaningful extracurriculars, and essays aligned with Baylorโ€™s values improve your chances.

Campus life is spirited and community-oriented, with high attendance at football and basketball games and over 300 student organizations. Students engage in chapel and service activities, enjoy traditions like Homecoming, and explore Wacoโ€™s outdoor spaces and local hangouts.

With an average net price around $41,942 and strong outcomes (80.8% graduation rate and $65,793 median 10-year earnings), Baylor can be a sound investment, particularly for business and health majors. Carefully compare aid offers and consider merit scholarships to lower net costs.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Texas Health Resources Baylor Scott & White Health AT&T IBM Amazon
Smart Start Score
74

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 16,109
  • In-State Tuition $54,844
  • Zip Code 76798

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 40.3% โ™€ 59.7%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price over $54,000 and an average net price around $42,000, Baylor requires careful financial planning. However, a strong 10-year median earnings of about $65,793 and a high 90.6% retention rate suggest solid return on investment, especially for business and health graduates.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Syracuse University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $54,844
Housing (12 mo) $12,132
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $74,176
With avg financial aid:
$41,942/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.