Baylor University
Baylor's award-winning campus features a blend of modern and historic buildings, and guarantees on-campus housing for first-year students.
Acceptance rate
51.3%
SAT (mid 50%)
1200–1400
Avg net price
$41,104
after aid
Testing
Optional
2027 cycle
Sources: the U.S. Department of Education (2024), and the Baylor University admissions site.
Your chances
How hard is it to get in?
Baylor University admitted 51.3% of applicants in its most recent reported class. That means most students who apply get in. Your job is to meet the requirements and apply on time.
Here’s where admitted students landed on tests. The middle 50% score 1200–1400 on the SAT and 27–32 on the ACT. Scores at or above that band keep you in contention. They don’t decide it.
The real question isn’t your odds. It’s your move. That’s where Spike comes in. It reads your profile against what Baylor University actually rewards, then tells you what to do next.
What they value
Excellence, Research, Personalized Learning
Baylor takes pride in offering small class sizes and in-person classes, creating an interactive and engaging learning environment where professors know you by name.
Baylor offers more than 125 majors and programs, including secondary majors that bypass the Common Core, and accelerated combined degree programs allowing students to earn both a bachelor's and master's in five years.
- Twelve Nationally Recognized DivisionsArts & Sciences, Business, Engineering & Computer Science, Nursing, Social Work,
- More than 125 Majors and ProgramsUndergraduate, Graduate, Professional
- Accelerated DegreesBachelor's and master's in five years
Verified from baylor.edu and admissions.web.baylor.edu and about.web.baylor.edu and admissions.web.baylor.edu and admissions.web.baylor.edu and admissions.web.baylor.edu.
The essays
Here are the supplemental essay prompts.
The current prompts, straight from the application. They change year to year. Most guides you’ll find are a cycle behind.
a handwritten essay of no more than 500 words illustrating your concept of leadership and how your community service experiences have impacted your life
Up to 500 words
Every prompt, with how to approach each →
Verified from baylor.edu.
Cost and aid
What will you actually pay?
The sticker price is about $74,226. That isn’t what most families pay. After need-based aid, the average net price is $41,104.
More than 90% of Baylor undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid and do not pay the full sticker price.
Ten years after enrolling, graduates earn a median of $65,793.
Verified from baylor.edu and the U.S. Department of Education.
Academics
These are the most popular majors.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing9% of degrees
- Marketing6% of degrees
- Biology, General6% of degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations6% of degrees
- Finance and Financial Management Services5% of degrees
- Communication and Media Studies4% of degrees
Campus life
Here’s the feel of the place.
“Grab free athletic tickets, explore your housing community, and connect with a vibrant, active community that feels like family, a Tuesday at Baylor.”
Located in Waco, the campus offers a variety of housing community options, not cookie-cutter “dorms,” designed to enhance social and academic life.
Quick answers
What do people ask about Baylor University?
- Is Baylor University test-optional?
- For the 2027 application cycle, standardized testing at Baylor University is optional.
- How hard is it to get into Baylor University?
- Very hard. Baylor University admits 51.3% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200 to 1400 on the SAT. Treat it as a reach for every applicant.
- How much does Baylor University cost?
- The list price is about $74,226. After aid, families pay $41,104 on average.
- Is Baylor University worth it?
- Graduates earn a median of $65,793 ten years after enrolling. 80% of students graduate within six years. Value depends on your aid offer and your goals. That’s what Spike helps you weigh.
Launching soon
Ask Spike anything about Baylor University.
Spike answers from Baylor University’s own site, then helps you figure out your move.