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6 min read ·Aug 8, 2025·Last updated on Dec 10, 2025

Baylor Acceptance Rate: What You Need to Know Today

Baylor University is a well-known private Christian university that is committed to academic and student life. It is also in the limelight as a choice for students who need to opt for a University in Texas. If you are considering presenting an application, you should first learn about the Baylor acceptance rate and the accompanying application requirements. The last recorded Baylor University acceptance rate is 51%, which means it is moderately lenient for admissions. 

In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive walk-through of everything from the Baylor GPA requirements to the Baylor Act requirements. By this, we will give you a clean and straightforward outlook on your admission chances to Baylor University in 2025.

Baylor University Ranking Insights

The following is the performance of Baylor University in some of the most recognized and competitive worldwide university rankings projected for 2024-2025, which also helps understand how the Baylor University acceptance rate aligns with its global standing.

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ParticularsRankings
QS World University Ranking (2024)1001-1200
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024601-800
U.S. News Best Global Universities (2024-2025)$425

Is Baylor Hard to Get Into?

Indeed, Baylor University is a moderately hard institution to join, especially as it becomes more selective with each passing year. The Baylor University acceptance rate, which is decreasing steadily to about 45%, is projected for 2025. 

This can be interpreted as a reflection of the competitive environment that Baylor University is about to have, with less than half of the applicants being accepted to the institution.

  1. Baylor has no official GPA cutoff, but successful applicants typically have a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

  2. Strong SAT/ACT scores, though optional, can strengthen applications.

  3. Leadership, community service, and extracurricular achievements are important in the review process.

  4. Selectivity varies by department; some majors are more competitive.

  5. Baylor is less selective than Ivy League schools but increasingly competitive due to rising academic standards and holistic admissions.

  6. Treat Baylor as a target or reach school based on your profile.

The Baylor University acceptance rate 2025 reflects this increased selectivity, prompting many to ask, "Is Baylor hard to get into?"

Baylor University Acceptance Rate 

Baylor University acceptance rate 2025 status is due to its placement in the layered selective category, which thus has an approximate acceptance rate of 51%.

It indicates that more than 50% of the applicants manage to get the offer letter from the university. Thus, it is a competitive yet accessible option for students who possess the necessary qualifications. On the contrary, though Baylor's acceptance rate has been fairly steady over the recent years, the admission process still takes various academic and extracurricular elements into account.

Given this, allow us to juxtapose the acceptance rate of Baylor with other renowned universities in the United States:

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UniversityAcceptance RateSelectivity Level
Baylor University51%Moderately Selective
Texas State University89%Less Selective
University of Central Oklahoma70%Moderately Selective
University of Kansas88%Less Selective
University of North Texas72%Moderately Selective
University of Texas at Tyler92%Open Admission Policy

Check out the complete guide to Explore Baylor University: Discover Top-Ranked Research, Innovation, and Opportunities!

The Baylor University acceptance rate has witnessed various variables in recent years, which mirrors the fluctuations in application numbers as well as the different institutional strategies. The following is a brief overview of the acceptance rates:

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YearBaylor Acceptance Rate
202157%
202246%
202351%
202451%

As per the statistics, a dip was observed from the year 2021 to 2022, but there was a rise in the Baylor University acceptance rate in 2023, which continued to be stable in 2024. The trend shows that the selectivity of Baylor University fluctuated and was affected by some variables, like the total number of applications and the targets for enrollment.

Baylor GPA Requirements

Here’s the list of the GPA requirements for Baylor: 

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Admission TypeBaylor GPA RequirementsNotes
Incoming FreshmanNo minimum GPA specifiedBaylor has a comprehensive assessment procedure with no specific GPA criterion.
Transfer StudentsMinimum 2.75 cumulative GPACertain majors may have greater GPA requirements.
Major-Specific RequirementsVaries by programFor example, Biology, Biochemistry, and Chemistry require a minimum 3.5 GPA
Graduate ProgramsNo minimum GPA specifiedAdmissions are holistic; nevertheless, certain schools may have strict GPA standards.
Ph.D. in HistoryOverall GPA: 3.00; Major GPA: 3.5Specific to the History Ph.D. program.

Baylor Act Requirements: ACT and SAT Scores

While Baylor University has a test-optional policy, presenting competitive ACT or SAT scores can considerably improve your application, particularly if your GPA is ordinary or borderline.

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TestMiddle 50% Score RangeAverage ScoreHighlights
ACT Composite25–3229Aim for 30+ if you're applying to highly competitive programs.
SAT Composite1180-13501267A 1300+ SAT score can give your application a strong boost.

Additional Notes:

  • Test-Optional Policy: Baylor provides applicants the opportunity to choose whether or not to submit their ACT/SAT scores. In case your score would positively affect your application, including it is a good choice.

  • Superscoring Available: Baylor University is a superscorer for both ACT and SAT, meaning that it takes the highest section scores from all your tests for each subject.

  • Recommended for Competitive Majors: In case you're applying for a competitive major program like Pre-Med and Business, it is advisable to submit a strong ACT score, even if it is not obligatory. This is especially essential when evaluating Baylor Act requirements for more selective departments.

  • Use of Scores: The standardized test scores can also be utilized for estimating merit-based scholarship eligibility. 

Baylor University Admissions: Step-by-Step Guide & Document Checklist

Baylor University admissions are straightforward and require you to follow a few easy steps. Here is an overview of the admission process and the required documentation at the university:

Check the application deadline for Baylor University admission to the courses of your choice at the university. 

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Admission TypeDeadline
Early Decision / Early Action (Fall)1st November
Regular Admission (Fall)1st February
Final Application Deadline (Fall)1st June
Rolling Admission (Spring)15th November
Final Application Deadline (Spring)15th November

Application Process: Step-by-Step

Choose Your Application Platform: Select your online application method, either through: 

  1. Common Application

  2. ApplyTexas

  3. Directly via the Baylor University website.

Create a New goBAYLOR Account: Once your application has been submitted, create a goBAYLOR account. This portal enables you to:

  1. Track your application's status.

  2. Submit the accompanying documentation.

  3. Receive admissions decisions.

Complete the Application Checklist: Analyze the application checklist, and submit all required items for Baylor University admissions.

Monitor and Submit: Meet all the application requirements and submit them on the portal. 

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Baylor

If you're wondering if Baylor is hard to get into, here are some tips to help you stand out:

  • Maintain a High GPA: Take honors or AP classes that meet the average Baylor GPA requirements.

  • Submit Test Scores: Even if your school does not require tests, high ACT/SAT scores can help you stand out academically.

  • Write a Unique Essay: The personal statement should highlight your ambitions, hobbies, and why Baylor is a good fit for you.

  • Highlight Extracurricular Activities: Management roles, volunteer work, and distinctive hobbies demonstrate that you are a well-rounded applicant.

  • Receive Strong Recommendations: Select teachers or advisors who know you thoroughly and can attest to your character and work performance.

Student Housing Near Baylor University

Baylor University, one of Texas’s top academic institutions, attracts ambitious students from across the country. This university, with its increasingly selective admissions and strong academic reputation, is a university of world-class opportunities for ambitious students. 

While keeping an eye on your GPA, test scores, and the Baylor University acceptance rate is crucial, finding the right place to live is just as important for a smooth college experience. For students looking for off-campus housing near Baylor University, there are student-friendly neighborhoods like University Parks, Downtown Waco, and South Waco. 

From solo living to roommate-friendly spaces, Amber makes your transition to college life easy and hassle-free. Here are some top housing options for Baylor students

  1. Union, Waco 

  2. U Pointe On Speight, Waco 

  3. The Outpost, Waco 

  4. Domain at Waco, Waco 

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