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, doctoral research university, and health sciences focus. 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)

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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.
Test Score Strategy
Since Baylor is test optional and your score is below the 75th percentile, hold it back and let your GPA, course rigor, and essays carry the application. Submitting a score below their range gives readers a reason to hesitate.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Baylor University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. 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

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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
Baylor University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch