About University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor builds future teachers and nurses through a Baptist lens. With 2,959 students on its midsize suburban campus in Belton, the university has produced notable alumni including NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III and safety Ahmad Dixon. The school maintains a 95.67% acceptance rate while focusing on Christian liberal arts education. Students average 1085 on the SAT, reflecting the university's accessible admissions approach.
Students pay an average net price of $28,690 after financial aid, with 36.85% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $56,132 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The loan repayment rate sits at 58.05%, with monthly payments averaging $276. This creates a reasonable return on investment for students entering teaching and healthcare fields.
The student body skews heavily female at 62.42%, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 97.57% being in-state residents. The Crusaders compete in NCAA Division III athletics with 523 student-athletes across 16 sports. The 53.40% six-year graduation rate suggests students need extra time to complete degrees, though the 95.9% employment rate shows strong job placement after graduation.
Students pay an average net price of $28,690 after financial aid, with 36.85% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $56,132 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $26,000. The loan repayment rate sits at 58.05%, with monthly payments averaging $276. This creates a reasonable return on investment for students entering teaching and healthcare fields.
The student body skews heavily female at 62.42%, reflecting the university's strength in education and nursing programs. Nearly all students come from Texas, with 97.57% being in-state residents. The Crusaders compete in NCAA Division III athletics with 523 student-athletes across 16 sports. The 53.40% six-year graduation rate suggests students need extra time to complete degrees, though the 95.9% employment rate shows strong job placement after graduation.
Academics & Faculty
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor operates as a Christian liberal arts university with particularly strong teacher preparation and nursing programs. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 53% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. Education majors benefit from extensive field experience in local schools, while nursing students train in state-of-the-art simulation labs. The university emphasizes faith integration across all academic disciplines. Business and exercise science programs also draw students seeking career-focused education within a Christian framework. Faculty members are expected to mentor students both academically and spiritually, creating a supportive but demanding environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 17:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 54.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.4%
- Retention Rate
- 67.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,132
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $92,124 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,990 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,643 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $61,020 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $43,319 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $42,682 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $42,044 |
Campus Life
Nearly 70% of students live on campus at this Baptist university in central Texas, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. The 341-acre campus sits 60 miles north of Austin and 20 miles south of Waco, placing students in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Students need sunscreen more than winter coats, as Texas heat dominates most of the academic year.
Chapel attendance remains mandatory three times per week, reflecting the school's strong Christian identity. With 523 athletes competing across 16 sports, games draw solid crowds despite Division III status. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers. Greek life doesn't exist here, so social activities center around residence halls, intramural sports, and campus ministry groups. Students often head to nearby Belton Lake for swimming and water sports on weekends. The retention rate of 67.88% suggests some students transfer after freshman year, often seeking larger schools or less religious environments. Those who stay typically appreciate the supportive Christian community and small-town atmosphere.
Chapel attendance remains mandatory three times per week, reflecting the school's strong Christian identity. With 523 athletes competing across 16 sports, games draw solid crowds despite Division III status. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just ID numbers. Greek life doesn't exist here, so social activities center around residence halls, intramural sports, and campus ministry groups. Students often head to nearby Belton Lake for swimming and water sports on weekends. The retention rate of 67.88% suggests some students transfer after freshman year, often seeking larger schools or less religious environments. Those who stay typically appreciate the supportive Christian community and small-town atmosphere.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 2,054 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 35°–59°F
- July Avg
- 70°–94°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 61.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -777.2"
Student Demographics
This Baptist university draws heavily from Texas, with nearly all students coming from in-state. The student body is 62% women, reflecting strong programs in education and nursing that traditionally attract female students. About 37% receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students and working families. The diverse student population is 28% Hispanic and 14% Black, mirroring the changing demographics of Texas. Students here tend to be faith-oriented Texans seeking career preparation in teaching, healthcare, and other service professions within a Christian framework.
- Men
- 37.6%
- Women
- 62.4%
- White
- 50.5%
- Black
- 13.5%
- Hispanic
- 27.6%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 97.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.9%
Location
Belton sits in Central Texas, about 60 miles north of Austin and 50 miles south of Waco. The town has around 25,000 residents and offers small-town charm within reach of major metropolitan areas. Nearly 98% of UMHB students come from in-state, reflecting the school's strong Texas roots. The Bell County location provides access to outdoor recreation along the Leon River and nearby Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Belton maintains a classic college town atmosphere where the university plays a central role in community life. The campus benefits from Texas Hill Country proximity while staying connected to urban opportunities in Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth. Students considering colleges in Texas may also compare University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Belton, Texas 76513-2599
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,132
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,381
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor?
The university accepts 95.67% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1085. This Baptist institution in Belton welcomes students who are looking for a Christian liberal arts education in a supportive environment.
How much does University of Mary Hardin-Baylor cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $28,690 annually, with 36.85% receiving financial aid. The school is known for making Christian higher education accessible to Texas families, with 97.57% of students coming from in-state.
What academic programs is University of Mary Hardin-Baylor known for?
The university has a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and is particularly recognized for teacher preparation and nursing programs. With 2,959 students, it maintains the small class sizes typical of quality Christian liberal arts colleges.
What are the career outcomes for University of Mary Hardin-Baylor graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $56,132 ten years after graduation with a 95.9% employment rate. However, the university has a 53.40% six-year graduation rate, reflecting the challenges many students face completing their degrees.
What is campus life like at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor?
The campus houses 2,054 students and fields 16 varsity sports teams with 523 total athletes competing as the Crusaders. With 62.42% women and strong Baptist traditions, the university creates a close-knit Christian community atmosphere.
Does University of Mary Hardin-Baylor have any famous alumni?
The university's most notable graduate is NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who won the Heisman Trophy. The school's athletic programs and Christian values have produced other professional athletes like NFL safety Ahmad Dixon.
