Baylor University
Waco, Texas · Private Nonprofit · 51.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 63/100 · Fair Value
Baylor University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $58,100/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $58,100/yr |
| Average net price | $41,104/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $164,416 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,793 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $46,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $244 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 80.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,785 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,024 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,530 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,902 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $38,852 |
| $110,001+ | $47,895 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Baylor University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $89,510 | B |
| Marketing | $78,398 | B |
| Biology | $57,155 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $85,961 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $102,812 | B+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $58,915 | C+ |
| Accounting | $102,011 | B+ |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $68,460 | D |
| Psychology | $65,090 | D |
| Management Information Systems | $96,148 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Baylor University is $58,100/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $41,104/year, or roughly $164,416 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $22,024/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $47,895/year.
The median graduate leaves with $23,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $244 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $65,793 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.49 - well within manageable territory.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 79.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 81.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 80.5% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 51.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 590-700 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 610-700 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 27-32 |
| Enrollment | 14,785 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 12.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $11,998 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University (this school) | 63 | $41,104 | $65,793 |
| Bellevue University | 65 | $17,550 | $61,289 |
| National University | 64 | $22,878 | $67,548 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | 61 | $16,898 | $59,986 |
| Abilene Christian University | 51 | $26,182 | $55,736 |
| Arlington Baptist University | 14 | $24,906 | $44,644 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Baylor University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $41,104 per year leads to $164,416 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $65,793 a decade out. The payback period of 9.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Key strengths include a 80.0% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost.
Median debt of $23,000 against $65,793 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.