Explore Baylor University: Top-Ranked Research and Innovation

Did you know Baylor University, founded in 1845, is the oldest continually operating university in Texas? Ranked among the top 20 national universities for student engagement by The Wall Street Journal, it’s home to over 20,000 students from 90+ countries. If you’re aiming for a U.S. degree with strong academic programs and a rich campus experience, Baylor University is a name worth knowing.

Let’s dive into this complete guide on Baylor University and see what makes it stand out!

Why Choose Baylor University?

Baylor University, Waco, Texas, is regarded as one of the top Research universities USA, excelling in business, law, healthcare, and even the liberal arts. It’s a faith-based university that aims to promote the holistic development of children, fostering spirituality and placing them amongst peer-prioritised institutions with rigorous academic offerings.

Baylor’s campus is home to students from all over the world, with a faculty-student ratio of 15:1, which stands out as a key factor in the supportive learning environment. At present, the university is home to over 20,000 students, with more than 15,000 enrolled in undergraduate programs and 5,669 pursuing graduate studies on campus. 

The school’s close associations with industries, plentiful hands-on learning opportunities, and remarkable job placement rates further aid in assuring students of successful careers post-graduation. Baylor University housing offers a variety of options, ranging from traditional dormitories to off-campus apartment living. 

Courses Offered at Baylor University

Whether you're into sciences, liberal arts, or business, the university offers a vast number of programs. The Baylor Waco majors and minors catalogue includes more than 140 undergraduate and 75 graduate programs. Here are some popular fields:

Cost of Studying at Baylor University-

The cost of studying at Baylor University, Waco, Texas, includes tuition, accommodation, insurance, transportation, and other personal expenses. Tuition fees for international students typically range from USD 39,496 to 54,844 annually, depending on the program. 

In addition to tuition, students at Baylor University are expected to cover several other living expenses. Housing costs range between USD 11,630 and USD 14,610 per year, depending on the accommodation type and location. Transportation expenses average around USD 1,188 annually. Other costs, including health insurance, books, supplies, and miscellaneous personal expenses, are estimated to fall between USD 1,289 and USD 5,253.

Below is a breakdown of some of the programs : 

International students must settle fees at the time of enrollment via Baylor’s official online payment system. Please note that these costs are approximate and subject to revision. For the most updated numbers, consult the university’s official website or speak with an authorised advisor. That’s where Baylor University financial aid steps in, with over 90% of students receiving some form of aid.

How to Apply: Baylor Admissions Process

Applying to Baylor University involves a step-by-step process designed to ensure every candidate has a fair opportunity to showcase their academic strengths and personal values. Baylor accepts applications through the Common App or ApplyTexas.

Step 1: Choose Your Program

Explore the wide range of Baylor University majors and minors to find the program that aligns with your interests and goals.

Step 2: Prepare and Submit Required Documents
You’ll need to gather the following:

• Official high school transcripts
• ACT or SAT scores (optional for most programs)
• Two letters of recommendation (academic or personal)
• A written statement explaining your academic interests and future aspirations.
• Documentation demonstrating English language skills through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or similar.

Step 3: Submit the Application
Complete your application via Common App or ApplyTexas. Submit the application fee or apply for a waiver if you qualify.

Step 4: Interview (if required)
Certain competitive programs or scholarships may request an online or in-person interview.

Step 5: Track Your Status
Monitor updates and document verification via Baylor’s application portal.

Step 6: Acceptance and Enrollment
After receiving an offer of admission, the university will issue your I-20 form needed for the F-1 visa process. You’ll then proceed with paying the enrollment deposit and organizing your accommodation and course schedule.

Deadlines vary depending on whether you're applying for Early Action, Early Decision, or Regular Decision. Always refer to Baylor’s admissions calendar for exact dates.

Eligibility Criteria for Baylor University

Admission to Baylor University is competitive and based on both academic and holistic criteria. Here's what international students typically need to qualify:

Academic Requirements:

• Completion of 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognised education board
• Consistent academic excellence in key subjects aligned with your intended field of study.
• GPA equivalent of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Standardised Tests:

• Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT, are optional for many programs in 2025.
• Applicants must also meet English proficiency benchmarks, including a minimum of 6.5 in IELTS, 80 in TOEFL iBT, or 51 in PTE.

Documents Required:

• Official transcripts
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORS)
• Resume or academic CV (if applicable)
• Valid passport and proof of financial capability

Other Considerations:

• Demonstrated leadership, extracurricular involvement, and volunteer experience can significantly strengthen your application.

Baylor University Placements and Job Prospects 

Baylor University boasts an impressive track record in student placements, with a 93% placement rate within six months of graduation in 2022. Top employers like KPMG, EY, Deloitte, Dell, Oracle, and L3 Harris have consistently hired Baylor graduates and offered competitive salary packages.

The average base salary for 2022 graduates stood at USD 68,120 (₹56,67,754), with Deloitte offering the highest average salary of USD 70,000, followed by KPMG and EY. The table below summarizes key placement statistics:

Baylor’s Career Center offers robust support with services like Career Success Professionals, career assessments, the Handshake hiring platform, and campus-wide Career Fests. These initiatives and Baylor’s strong employer network of over 3,500 contacts help students seamlessly transition from campus to career.

Scholarships Provided by Baylor University

Baylor University offers several international scholarships to support international and domestic students based on merit, need, or both. Some key opportunities include:

Merit-Based Scholarships:

• President’s Gold Scholarship – Awarded to high-achieving applicants with excellent GPA and SAT/ACT scores.
• Provost’s Gold Scholarship – A merit-based award offered to academically strong candidates, providing mid-range financial support.

Need-Based Baylor University Financial Aid:

• Available through FAFSA and institutional assessments
• May include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities

Speciality Scholarships:

• Baylor Line Foundation Scholarship – For students with legacy ties to Baylor
• Music, Theatre, and Athletic Scholarships – Based on auditions or athletic recruitment

External Scholarships:

• Students are encouraged to apply for third-party scholarships like Fulbright, Inlaks, or other country-specific funding bodies.
• Amberscholarship - Amber Scholar is a scholarship program by Amber that supports students studying abroad by easing their financial burden. It offers selected winners up to $12,000 to help cover living or tuition costs

Always apply early to maximise your scholarship chances. Some awards are automatically considered during the admission process, while others require a separate application.

Notable Alumni

Baylor University boasts an impressive network of alumni who have made significant impacts in their industries and communities. From Hollywood to politics, broadcasting to business, Baylor grads continue to shape their fields in meaningful ways.

• Angela Kinsey – Best known for her role as Angela in The Office, Kinsey studied English at Baylor and credits her university experience for helping launch her career in entertainment.
• Trey Wingo – A seasoned ESPN sportscaster and media personality, Wingo graduated with a communications degree and has covered high-profile events like the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft.
• Jeff Dunham – A world-famous comedian and ventriloquist, Dunham's comedic journey started during his time at Baylor. Today, he headlines sold-out shows across the globe.
• Ann Richards – The 45th Governor of Texas, Richards was a fierce advocate for civil rights and women in leadership. Her legacy remains a point of pride for the Baylor community.

If you're dreaming of a US education grounded in academic rigour, faith, and community, Baylor University should be on your radar. As one of the top universities Texas offers, it combines everything from top-tier programs to a welcoming student experience.

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