
The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) traces its history to Baylor University's founding in Independence, Texas, in 1845. Its predecessor was the women's division of that institution. The women's college later became a separate institution and moved to Belton in 1886.
The college subsequently took the Mary Hardin-Baylor name, became coeducational in the 1970s, and gained university status in 1978. That history helps explain two continuing features of UMHB: its Baptist identity and its emphasis on undergraduate education alongside graduate and professional programs.
UMHB offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, health professions, and Christian studies. Prospective students can find programs in fields such as biology, computer science, nursing, teacher preparation, psychology, accounting, and ministry.
Its academic organization includes the McLane College of Business and schools or colleges devoted to areas such as education, humanities and sciences, and nursing. Program structure matters when comparing majors: a nursing or teacher-certification pathway can have separate admission, clinical, or state-licensure requirements beyond admission to the university. Applicants should check the current catalog for the exact degree, delivery format, and requirements of their intended program.
UMHB's main campus is in Belton, Texas, a city in the Temple-Killeen region of Central Texas. The setting is smaller than a major-city campus, while Temple and Killeen provide additional shopping, health-care facilities, and potential employment or clinical-placement options.
A car may be useful for off-campus work, appointments, and travel around the region. First-year students are permitted to park on campus, although they should check current registration and parking rules. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is a regional flight option; students planning to travel without a car should check ground transportation in advance.
UMHB describes its educational purpose in Christian terms and identifies with the Baptist tradition. Its stated mission connects academic preparation with faith, leadership, and service. These are institutional aims, not measures of what every student will experience or believe.
For applicants, the affiliation is relevant to campus programming, opportunities for worship and service, and parts of the curriculum. Students comparing religiously affiliated colleges should review the current catalog and student handbook for any requirements that apply to their degree or campus participation.
Name of the institution
University of Mary Hardin-BaylorLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Suburb: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (Baptist Church)School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1845University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.