
1315 South 5th Street, Waco, TX 76798, USA


Baylor University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which authorizes it to award bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. This accreditation ensures that the university meets established standards of quality and institutional effectiveness in higher education.
In addition to this regional accreditation, several of the university's academic programs have received specialized accreditation from professional bodies. These accreditations highlight the quality and rigor of specific fields of study, offering additional assurance to prospective students about the value of their chosen programs.
Prospective students seeking admission to Baylor University must have completed a high school diploma or earned a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. The university requires the submission of secondary school transcripts, including the applicant's Grade Point Average. Although the institution does not apply an open admission policy, it does accept credits from Advanced Placement examinations as well as other college credits.
Applicants must provide TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency, and submission of additional standardized test results is recommended, though not mandatory. Baylor University does not require a personal computer for admission, but leasing options are available.
The university receives a very high volume of applications, with nearly 40,000 applicants annually and an acceptance rate of approximately 51%, placing it among more selective institutions. Incoming students typically present strong academic credentials, with a mean SAT score of 1255-ranked in the top 25% nationally-and an average ACT score of 29, which is in the top 15% of test takers.
Approximately 44% of enrolled students score between 23 and 29 on the ACT, reflecting a high level of academic achievement required for successful admission. Baylor University maintains rigorous standards and evaluates each application holistically but places significant emphasis on secondary school academic records and standardized test results.
Baylor University requires an application fee that must be paid when submitting the initial application for admission. The fee amount is fixed and applies uniformly to all undergraduate applicants to help cover the processing costs associated with reviewing applications.
Applicants who demonstrate financial need may qualify for a fee waiver. These waivers are designed to ensure that the application fee does not pose a barrier for prospective students from lower-income backgrounds. Specific eligibility criteria and the process to request a waiver are outlined by the admissions office, and students are encouraged to inquire about fee waivers early in the application process.
Baylor University offers an ROTC branch unit on its campus, providing students the opportunity to participate in Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs directly through the university. This allows prospective students interested in military training and leadership development to engage with ROTC activities without needing to commute to another institution.
Baylor University considers transfer applicants through a moderately difficult admission process. The institution accepts transfer credits, including those earned via CLEP subject exams and DANTES standardized tests, which can facilitate the credit evaluation procedure for incoming students. This policy supports applicants who have previously accumulated college-level coursework and want to continue their education at Baylor University.
Baylor University offers a variety of study abroad programs designed to accommodate diverse academic interests and schedules. Students can participate in short-term faculty-led trips, which focus on immersive experiences connected to specific courses, often lasting a few weeks during breaks. These trips provide hands-on learning opportunities in locations worldwide, allowing students to engage directly with different cultures and environments relevant to their studies.
In addition to short-term programs, Baylor supports semester and year-long study abroad options through partnerships with institutions in multiple countries. These longer programs enable students to earn credit toward their degrees while living and studying in a foreign country, offering a deeper cultural and academic immersion. The university facilitates student exchanges and collaborative arrangements, broadening the range of destinations and disciplines available to travelers.
Baylor University also emphasizes the integration of academic goals with international experience, encouraging students to select programs aligned with their majors or career objectives. Language learning, cultural studies, and specialized research opportunities are often components of these programs, enhancing both personal growth and professional development.
Support services are provided to assist students in program selection, application processes, and logistical arrangements. This guidance ensures that study abroad experiences at Baylor are structured, meaningful, and accessible, helping students to navigate the complexities of international education effectively.
Median composite SAT score
1255Median composite ACT score
29Percent of students submitting ACT scores
23.43%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
43.95%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
Data not availableRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Navy
ROTC branch unit on campusROTC-Air Force
ROTC branch unit on campusStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Data not available