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Baylor University

Waco, United States

  • Cost of Living$ 17,136
  • Tuition Fee From$ 19,000
  • Country Rank-
  • Batch Strength18,242
  • Global Diversity6%
  • Gender Ratio39 : 61

Overview

About

Baylor University is a Waco, Texas-based private Baptist Christian research university. Baylor is Texas's oldest-running university and one of the country's oldest educational institutions west of the Mississippi River. The institution has about 16,000 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and around 89 foreign countries. It is categorised as "R1: Doctoral Universities with Very High Research Activity." The university confers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degrees. The athletic teams of the university, known as the Bears, compete in 19 intercollegiate sports. The university competes in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big 12 Conference.

 

With 12 nationally renowned academic divisions, Baylor University accepts students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 90 other countries to study for various degrees. The university's aim is to prepare men and women for leadership and service in the world by fusing academic achievement with a Christian commitment in a supportive environment. The Hankamer School of Business, the Schools of Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Music, and Nursing, as well as the College of Arts and Sciences, all offer programs. It is in the state's geographic centre. Classes are often small (35–40 students on average), and professors have regular office hours.

 

At Baylor, a sizable segment of the student population is particularly involved in volunteering. Despite being one of only two private universities in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference, Baylor's sports teams, especially the football squad, maintain a high level of competition. McLane Stadium, a new $260 million football stadium built on the grounds of the university and designed by Populous, a firm best known for creating the New York Yankee Stadium, opened its doors in 2014.

 

Over the years, Baylor has created a lot of traditions. For instance - before the home football games, freshmen form the Baylor Line and rush onto the field while donning unique football jerseys bearing their chosen identities and expected graduation years. Additionally, memorial lampposts have been built all throughout campus in memory of each service person who has died, serving as "a guard by day" and illuminating the pathways. The institution also observes Diadeloso, a holiday on which classes are suspended so that students can compete in athletic events and go to free concerts.

Ranking

Baylor University, founded in 1845, has established itself as a globally recognised institution of higher education. While the 2025 rankings have not yet been released, we can examine the university's recent performance across various ranking systems. In 2024, Baylor will maintain its 1001st position in the QS World University Rankings, a rank it has held since 2022. The US News & World Report rankings for 2024 place Baylor at 93rd among national universities, showing a slight decline from its 77th position in 2023. This continues a gradual downward trend observed in recent years. However, in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings, Baylor has maintained a consistent position at 601 in both 2024 and 2023. These rankings collectively demonstrate Baylor's stable presence in global academic standings, despite some fluctuations in national rankings, highlighting the university's ongoing efforts to balance its academic reputation across different assessment criteria.

 

Baylor University - QS Ranking 2025

In the QS World University Rankings for 2024, Baylor University maintains its position at 1001, which has remained consistent since 2022. This ranking indicates Baylor's standing among global universities according to QS metrics, reflecting its academic reputation and research contributions on an international scale.

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

World University

1001

1001

1001

 

Baylor University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

In the US News & World Report rankings for 2024, Baylor University is ranked 93 among National Universities, showing a slight decline from 77 in 2023 and continuing its trajectory from previous years.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Global Universities

376

372

-

National University

75

77

93

 

Baylor University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

In the THE (Times Higher Education) rankings for 2024, Baylor University is ranked consistently at 601, maintaining its position from 2023. This ranking reflects Baylor's performance across various criteria evaluated by THE, including teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

801

601

601

 

Learn More About: Baylor University’s Admission

 

Baylor University - QS Ranking 2025

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Global MBA

151

151

-

Physics and Astronomy

501

601

-

 

Baylor University - US News & World Report Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Best Graduate Law Schools

58

58

49

Electrical Engineering PG

107

128

122

Entrepreneurship MBA

10

17

10

Graduate Business School

60

64

60

Mechanical Engineering PG

112

132

111

UG Business

74

64

62

 

Baylor University - THE (Times Higher Education) Ranking 2024

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Arts and Humanities

401

401

301

Clinical and Health

401

401

501

Engineering

601

801

601

PG Business and Economics

301

401

401

Psychology

201

201

251

 

Course Rankings

BBA

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - UG Business

74

64

62

 

LL.M.

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Law Schools

58

58

49

 

M.A.

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

-

301

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76

76

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

-

401

401

 

Learn More About: Baylor University’s Courses

MBA/PGDM

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Global MBA

-

151

151

US News & World Report - Entrepreneurship MBA

-

10

17

US News & World Report - Graduate Business School

-

60

64

Bloomberg - Best Business School USA

59

65

50

 

MIM

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301

401

401

 

MS

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

551

501

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

-

301

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

301

301

301

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

-

107

128

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

-

112

132

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

-

601

801

 

Others PG

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

251

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401

401

501

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Arts and Humanities

401

401

301

 

Business & Management Studies

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

US News & World Report - UG Business

-

74

64

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

-

301

401

QS - Global MBA

-

151

151

US News & World Report - Entrepreneurship MBA

-

10

17

US News & World Report - Graduate Business School

-

60

64

Bloomberg - Best Business School USA

59

65

50

 

Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

107

128

122

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

112

132

111

THE (Times Higher Education) - Engineering

601

801

601

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

-

301

-

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76

76

-

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

-

201

201

 

Law

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Best Graduate Law Schools

58

58

49

 

Medicine & Health Sciences

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health

401

401

501

 

Science

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

551

501

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

-

301

301

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

301

301

301

 

Business Economics

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics

301

401

401

 

Electrical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Electrical Engineering PG

107

128

122

 

Entrepreneurship

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Entrepreneurship MBA

10

17

10

 

Mathematics

Ranked by

2022

2023

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Mathematics

301

301

 

Mechanical Engineering

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

US News & World Report - Mechanical Engineering PG

112

132

111

 

Physics

Ranked by

2021

2022

2023

QS - Physics and Astronomy

-

551

501

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Physics

301

301

301

 

Political Science

Ranked by

2022

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Political Sciences

301

 

Psychology

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

THE (Times Higher Education) - Psychology

201

201

251

 

Sociology

Ranked by

2021

2022

ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - Sociology

76

76

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2025

#1001 - 1200

-

2024

#1001 - 1200

#425

2022

#1001 - 1200

#372

Facilities

Students at Baylor participate in life-changing experiences due to its outstanding programs, services, and facilities, which culminate in an integrated education renowned for leadership, service, Christian faith, and holistic student development. Baylor Student Life appreciates the amazing diversity of its student body and the community. Student Life is large at Baylor, and the institution encourages students to use Baylor University facilities every step of the way. Following are some of the most frequently-used amenities at the university -

 

  • Student Activities
  • New Student Programs
  • Student Foundation
  • Fraternity & Sorority Life
  • Baptist Student Ministries
  • Multicultural Affairs
  • Campus Recreation
  • Counseling Services
  • Health Services

Notable Alumni

Angela Kinsey
Angela Kinsey
American Actress
Joanna Gaines
Joanna Gaines
Television Presenter
Trey Wingo
Trey Wingo
Former co-host of ESPN Golic and Wingo

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Baylor University is 46%. Among those admitted who provided test scores, half fall within the SAT range of 1230 to 1410 or the ACT range of 28 to 33. However, a quarter of admitted students have scores exceeding these ranges, while another quarter have scores below them. The application deadline for Baylor University is February 1st. GPA is highly valued by Baylor University's admissions officials as an academic criterion. They also take into account an applicant's high school class rank and, if available, letters of recommendation.As compared to the previous years, Baylor University acceptance rate in 2024 has increased. The table given below demonstrates the Baylor University Acceotance rate over the past years: 


 

Academic year at Baylor University

Acceptance Rate

2016-2017

39.7%

2017-2018

38.9%

2018-2019

38.9%

2019-2020

45.3%

Prediction for 2023-2024

38.6%

 

Entry Requirements

BU does not charge an application cost for undergraduate programs, however, applicants must pay around USD 50 application fee for graduate programs. The institution is currently accepting applicants for the Fall and Spring semesters. Students must have an undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to be admitted to the institution for PG programs. In fact, overseas enrolment increased to about 45% in the most recent academic year. In addition, applicants must complete the additional Baylor University entry requirements, which vary greatly depending on the course, degree level, and other factors. Apart from the GPA scores, the university evaluates a candidate’s profile based on aspects such as value faith, personal calling, growth, potential, and ability to tackle new challenges. Some of the common prerequisites to be considered are listed below -

 

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

  • Official high-school transcripts & academic records inclusive of name, class rank, and all grades achieved
  • ACT/SAT test scores
  • English Language Proficiency Scores: IELTS - 6.5 to 7.0; TOEFL iBT - 86 to 100; Duolingo English Test Score - 110 to 125
  • An updated resume or ZeeMee profile
  • Recommendation letter (s) - at least two
  • Early decision applicants must submit a short answer response
  • CSS/Financial Aid profile
  • For music or theatre majors - applicants will be required to give an audition
  • Any other course-specific requirements
 

Graduate Entry Requirements

  • A valid bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • As per the programme requirements - Standardised test scores of GMAT/GRE
  • Letter (s) of Recommendation
  • An updated CV/Resume
  • Official academic transcripts from previously attended institutions
  • An SOP
 

English Language Requirements: 

Baylor University sets specific English proficiency standards for international applicants seeking admission. These requirements ensure that students possess the necessary language skills to excel in their academic pursuits. Prospective students typically need to demonstrate proficiency through standardised tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. The table below outlines these English language proficiency requirements, providing clarity on what scores applicants should aim for when applying to Baylor University

 

Study Level

IELTS Test Scores

TOEFL Test Scores

Undergraduate 

6.5

6.5

Postgraduate

80

80

 

Fees

Baylor University's fees are 49% more than the national average for a private non-profit four-year college tuition of $29,844. In addition to tuition, the institution charges $4,702 in fees, bringing the total effective in-state tuition to $49,246. However, in the 2019-2020 academic year, 95% of university students received financial aid to help with expenditures. Other criteria that contribute to the total cost of studying at Baylor include course selection, degree level, applicant nationality, and so forth. Some of the most popular courses at the institution, as well as their associated fees, are mentioned below -

 
  • MS Computer Science - $59,240
  • MBA - $28,612
  • MPH - $59,980
  • MS Statistical Science - $59,240
  • MS Electrical & Computer Engineering - $59,240
  • MBA Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation - $25,869
 

Placement

Baylor's average employment rate is about 80%. With an annual income of USD 103,000, financial services professionals are the best-paid graduates. The university's Career Center assists all Baylor students with professional development through specialised career coaching, premier resources, contacts with companies, and graduate school preparation. Some of the top courses where graduates receive excellent Baylor University placements with high starting salaries are as follows -

 
  • Bachelor of Arts - $95,000
  • Masters in Science - $90,000
  • Bachelor of Science - $71,000

Scholarship

Given below are some of the notable scholarships offered at Baylor University: 

 

Scholarship Name

Eligibility 

Benefits

Freshman Merit-Based Scholarships

Admitted students at Baylor University are automatically evaluated for merit-based scholarships through a thorough assessment of their high school academic achievements and the completion of their Baylor application.

$1,000 to full cost of attendance

Transfer Merit-Based Scholarships

For transfer applicants, merit-based scholarships are determined by GPA.

Varies

Graduate Student Awards

For international Masters and PhD students

Awards vary in terms of full tuition fees, partial tuition fee waivers etc. 

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the Baylor University. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the Baylor University. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

 

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Baylor is situated in McLennan County, Waco in the state of Texas. It is one of the greatest areas in Texas to live in. This neighbourhood is home to many families and young professionals, giving it a safe and secure environment for students. The cost of living in Waco is determined by how a student spends their money and comprises rent, utilities, food and groceries, transportation, clothing, and miscellaneous. Prior to relocating to the city, students should plan their budgets and understand their costs. The chart below shows the living expenditures for students in Waco -

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

$912

On-Campus Accommodation

$1,233

Transportation

$72

Food Cost

$287

Utility Cost

$202

Entertainment

$48

Groceries

$36

Clothes

$73

Health Insurance

$80

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

$1,710

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

$2,031

Annual Cost of Living

$20,520

FAQs