Campus Vibe
Strong graduate outcomes — known for business
Baylor University is a private institution in Waco with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1313, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A large campus of 15K undergraduates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
80% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $65,793 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $41,942.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Baylor University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1313
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
66.2%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
115
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (177)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
91%
- •91% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — from women
History & Fun Facts
- •In 1841, 35 delegates to the Union Baptist Association meeting voted to adopt the suggestion of the Rev.
- •Baylor In fall 1844, the Texas Baptist Education Society petitioned the Congress of the Republic of Texas to charter a Baptist university.
- •Republic President Anson Jones signed the Act of Congress on February 1, 1845, officially establishing Baylor University.
- •Although these three men are credited as being the founders of the university, many others worked to see the first university established in Texas and thus they were awarded Baylor's Founders Medal.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average