Overview
Baylor University is a moderately selective private four-year institution in Waco, Texas. The school accepts 45.9% of applicants and enrolls 15,007 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 45.9%
- Average SAT
- 1,320
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,230–1,410
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 15,007
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Baylor's Christian identity shapes everything from campus life to admissions decisions, so your application should reflect genuine alignment with faith-based values rather than superficial mentions of religion. The admissions committee wants to see how your beliefs inform your actions and goals, not just that you attend church.
Your essays should highlight specific Baylor programs that connect to your interests. The Honors College offers smaller classes and research opportunities starting freshman year. Business students can mention the ProSales program, which has direct industry connections and internship pipelines. Engineering applicants should research the School of Engineering and Computer Science's hands-on labs and design competitions.
Baylor operates on rolling admissions, so apply early for the best scholarship consideration. The university awards significant merit aid, and earlier applicants compete for a larger pool of funds. Submit your application by November for optimal scholarship chances.
The campus culture centers around Baptist traditions and school spirit. Students attend chapel services and football games with equal enthusiasm. Greek life dominates social activities, and conservative Christian values influence campus policies. You'll fit well if you want a faith-integrated education where professors openly discuss how their subject matter relates to Christian worldview.
Don't submit generic essays about wanting to help people or change the world. Instead, connect your specific experiences to Baylor's mission of educating servant leaders. If you've volunteered at food banks, explain how you want to use Baylor's business program to address systemic poverty. If you're interested in engineering, discuss how you plan to use technology to serve others.
Community service carries significant weight in admissions decisions. Baylor expects students who serve others, so highlight sustained volunteer commitments rather than one-time events. Mission trips, youth group leadership, and community outreach programs strengthen your application more than generic volunteer hours.
The application includes Baylor-specific short answer questions about your faith journey and how you plan to contribute to campus community. Answer these authentically rather than writing what you think admissions wants to hear. The committee can distinguish between genuine faith and surface-level responses.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $41,942/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $54,844
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 80.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,793/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 90.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Baylor University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Baylor requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. The university does not have a test-optional policy.
What is the application deadline for Baylor University?
Baylor has an early action deadline of November 1 and a regular decision deadline of February 1. Early action is non-binding and provides an admission decision by mid-December.
How many credit hours do transfer students need to apply to Baylor University?
Transfer applicants to Baylor must have completed at least 12 transferable college credit hours. Students with fewer than 30 credit hours must also submit high school transcripts and test scores.
Does Baylor University offer early decision admission?
Baylor does not offer early decision. The university only has early action, which is non-binding and allows students to apply to other schools.