About

About Baylor University

baptist faith missiondoctoral research universityhealth sciences focuswaco texas campusbusiness and premed strength

Baylor University is a private research university in Waco, TX, known for its baptist faith mission, health sciences focus, and waco texas campus. With an acceptance rate of 46%, BU is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 3,296 students each year. BU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1160–1340, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. BU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $30,624 per year; the sticker price of $68,126 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Baylor University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

46%
Overall Accept Rate
1250
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1160 – 1340 (test optional)

Build your free list to see where your scores land →

Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Baylor University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Baylor takes its Christian mission seriously, so use your essays to show how your values, faith background, or ethical commitments align with a community built around Christian principles. You do not need to be Baptist, but admissions readers will notice if you engage thoughtfully with what that environment means to you.
Application Strategy
Apply to the Baylor Honors College if your GPA and course load support it, because the Honors College has its own application process and distinctive community that can set you apart from the general applicant pool. Mention your interest in Honors in your essay so admissions can flag you for that review early.

Get a tailored strategy for Baylor University. Build your free list to unlock personalized advice on submitting test scores and discover your actual admission odds based on your student profile.

Build My Free List →

Financial Aid & Cost

What Baylor University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$68k/yr$22.0k
30k-48k~$68k/yr$21.5k
48k-75k~$68k/yr$33.9k
75k-110k~$68k/yr$38.9k
110k+~$68k/yr$47.9k

Not sure what Baylor University would cost your family? Build your free SpearMatch list. We show estimated net cost for every college on your list based on your income bracket.

Unlock real pricing for Baylor University and matching colleges →

Personalize this page

Compare your profile to Baylor University's admitted class

SpearMatch builds a tiered college list from your actual grades, scores, and preferences — and shows where you stand at every college. Free, no account, 4 minutes.

Build My Free List →

✓ Free forever  ·  ✓ No account  ·  ✓ 1,300+ four-year US colleges

Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

80%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$57k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
15:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
15,570
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

60%White
18%Hispanic
9%Asian
6%Black / African American
5%Two or More Races
3%International
1%Unknown / Unreported
0%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender41% Men · 59% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status97% Citizens and Immigrants · 3% International
BU, Waco Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch