At $41,942/yr net price, Baylor University graduates earn $65,793/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,793/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $41,942 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $167,768 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,793/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,793/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 80.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $30,674/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,348/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,236/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,708/yr |
| $110,001+ | $47,442/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $100,127 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $96,457 | $54,384 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations. | Bachelor | $84,653 | $20,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,047 | $21,500 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $27,000 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $69,338 | $172,756 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,897 | $26,096 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $65,320 | $23,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $64,216 | $22,362 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $63,522 | $22,056 |
The Risk Factor
80.2% of students at Baylor University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Baylor University delivers mixed financial returns with strong outcomes for specific majors but concerning debt levels in business programs. Your median earnings of $65,793 after ten years barely justify the $41,942 annual net price, creating a break-even timeline that stretches longer than most private universities.
Nursing stands out as Baylor's financial winner, generating over $100,000 in median earnings with manageable debt loads. Business administration graduates earn well at $96,457 but carry dangerous debt levels of $54,384 that will take years to overcome. Sales and marketing programs offer the best debt-to-income ratio with strong earnings and just $20,500 in typical debt.
Engineering and computer science graduates face moderate debt burdens relative to their earning potential, though these programs lag behind peer institutions in the Texas job market. Liberal arts and social science majors should carefully evaluate their post-graduation plans, as Baylor's premium pricing rarely pays off for these fields.
The 12.98% financial aid rate signals limited need-based support, making Baylor primarily accessible to families who can pay full freight. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive. Your location in Waco limits internship and job opportunities compared to Dallas or Houston universities, potentially slowing career advancement.
Baylor works financially if you plan to enter nursing, sales, or can secure substantial merit aid. The strong alumni network in Texas business circles provides value for entrepreneurial students. However, if you need significant financial aid or plan to major outside the high-earning programs, you will likely find better ROI elsewhere in Texas higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baylor University worth the high tuition cost?
Baylor's $41,942 annual net price is steep compared to the $65,793 median earnings 10 years after graduation. The nursing programs offer strong returns at over $100,000, but many other majors struggle to justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Baylor University?
Nursing programs at Baylor lead with median earnings over $100,000, followed by business administration at $96,457. Computer science graduates earn $71,015, which is relatively low for the field given the tuition cost.
How much student debt do Baylor University graduates typically have?
Baylor graduates carry a median debt of $23,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. The 80% graduation rate helps, but the debt-to-income ratio varies dramatically by major.
Does Baylor University provide good financial aid to offset costs?
Despite financial aid, Baylor's net price remains over $40,000 annually for most students. The aid helps but doesn't make the school affordable for middle-class families without significant borrowing.