About Baylor University
Students pay an average net price of $41,942 after aid, which represents solid value given that graduates earn a median of $65,793 ten years out. The typical debt load of $23,000 translates to monthly payments of just $244, making this investment manageable for most families. With 95.4% of graduates finding employment, the financial picture works for students willing to invest in a faith-based education.
The Bears compete in the Big 12 Conference, giving students Division I athletics to rally around. Nearly 61% of students come from Texas, creating a strong regional identity on campus. The 90.62% retention rate suggests students find what they're looking for here, whether that's pre-med preparation, business training, or a community that shares their values.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 80.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.2%
- Retention Rate
- 90.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,793
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,127 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $96,457 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $84,653 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,047 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,015 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,897 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $65,320 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,216 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $63,522 |
Campus Life
The 59.72% female student body creates a social atmosphere centered around Greek life, intramural sports, and Baptist traditions. Students gather for weekly chapel services and pack McLane Stadium for Big 12 football games, where the Bears compete with a $20.5 million athletic scholarship budget. Weekend activities revolve around the Magnolia Market area downtown, Lake Waco recreation, or road trips to Austin or Dallas. The 90.62% retention rate reflects students who embrace both the Christian mission and Texas pride that define campus culture. Bear hugs and "Sic 'em Bears" chants become second nature.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 4,750 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1845
Campus Safety (2023)
127 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 44 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 9 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–58°F
- July Avg
- 75°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 40.3%
- Women
- 59.7%
- White
- 60.9%
- Black
- 5.0%
- Hispanic
- 16.4%
- Asian
- 8.7%
- In-State Students
- 60.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.0%
Location
- Address
- Waco, Texas 76798
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $65,793
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $66,167
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 72.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Baylor University?
Baylor University admits 45.88% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1230-1410 on the SAT with an average of 1320. This Baptist research university attracts strong students who value both academic rigor and Christian mission.
How much does Baylor University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $41,942 after aid, despite the full sticker price of $70,517. Only 12.98% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a relatively affluent student body. Graduates typically leave with $23,000 in debt and monthly loan payments of $244.
What is Baylor University known for academically?
Baylor excels in business and pre-health programs while maintaining a strong Christian foundation as a Baptist institution. The student-faculty ratio of 15:1 provides good access to professors. With an 80.81% four-year graduation rate, students successfully complete their degrees at this research university.
What do Baylor University graduates earn after college?
Baylor graduates earn a median of $65,793 ten years after graduation with a 95.4% employment rate. Alumni include notable figures like former Texas Governor Ann Richards and NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III. The 72.43% loan repayment rate shows most graduates can manage their debt successfully.
Where do students live at Baylor University?
Baylor houses 4,750 students on its Waco, Texas campus in a mid-size city setting. The student body of 15,007 is 59.72% female and draws 60.57% from within Texas. Room and board costs $14,235 annually for on-campus living.
Does Baylor University compete in major college sports?
Baylor competes in NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference with 15 varsity sports. The Bears awarded over $20.5 million in athletic scholarships to 553 total athletes. Football and basketball generate significant attention while maintaining the university's Baptist identity and school motto "Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana."
