Baylor University | Private Christian University in Waco, TX

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution located in Waco, Texas. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. The university provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students from all 50 states and over 90 countries, blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship.

Key Takeaways

• Baylor University is a private, Baptist university located in Waco, Texas.
• The university was chartered in 1845 and is the oldest continually operating university in Texas.
• Baylor University has a vibrant campus community with over 20,000 students from across the United States and around the world.
• The university is a nationally ranked research institution, classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity.”
• Baylor University is known for its commitment to educational excellence and faculty dedication to teaching and scholarship.

Baylor University: A Renowned Private Christian Institution

Baylor University, founded in 1845 by Baptist pioneers, is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. As a nationally ranked research institution, Baylor is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and groundbreaking research.

Established in 1845 by Baptist Pioneers

Baylor University was chartered in 1845 by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas, through the efforts of Baptist pioneers who envisioned a world-class university rooted in the Baptist Christian tradition. This rich heritage has shaped Baylor’s identity as a leading private Christian institution for over 175 years.

Nationally Ranked Research University

Baylor’s status as a nationally ranked research university is a testament to its unwavering dedication to scholarship and innovation. The university’s faculty and students collaborate on cutting-edge research projects, contributing to advancements in a wide range of academic disciplines and addressing real-world challenges.

Vibrant Campus Community for over 20,000 Students

Baylor University’s vibrant campus community is home to more than 20,000 students from all 50 states and over 90 countries. This diverse student population is drawn to Baylor’s reputation for academic excellence, robust campus life, and a strong commitment to the Baptist Christian tradition.

Academic Excellence at Baylor

At Baylor University, academic excellence is the cornerstone of the student experience. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral and professional degrees, across its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. From the sciences and humanities to business, engineering, and the fine arts, Baylor’s curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students, preparing them for success in their chosen fields.

Baylor’s talented faculty of outstanding full-time professors create an engaging learning environment, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1 and an average undergraduate class size of just 28 students. This intimate setting fosters meaningful interactions, collaborative research, and personalized mentorship, allowing Baylor students to thrive both academically and personally.

12 Nationally Recognized Academic Divisions

Baylor University’s academic excellence is reflected in its 12 nationally renowned academic divisions, each offering a diverse array of degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. From the Hankamer School of Business to the College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Engineering and Computer Science, Baylor’s academic landscape is as diverse as it is distinguished.

Diverse Range of Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

Whether you’re interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree, a master’s program, or a doctoral degree, Baylor University has a wide range of academic options to choose from. The university’s commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research allows students to explore their passions and discover new areas of interest, ensuring a truly transformative educational experience.

Campus Life and Student Experience

As a Baylor University student, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant campus community with over 330 clubs and organizations to choose from, including 40 national and local sororities and fraternities. This diverse array of student organizations offers something for everyone, allowing you to explore your passions, develop leadership skills, and connect with like-minded peers.

Baylor University takes great pride in being among the 10 percent of U.S. universities with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, a prestigious honor society that recognizes academic excellence. This distinction reflects the university’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and achievement among its student body.

Giving back to the community is also a core part of the Baylor experience. Each year, Baylor students, faculty, and staff volunteer more than 150,000 hours of community service, demonstrating the university’s dedication to making a positive impact on the local Waco community and beyond.

Baylor University: A Rich History

Baylor University’s legacy as the oldest continually operating university in Texas dates back to its founding in 1845 by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers. This rich Baylor University history has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the state.

Oldest Continually Operating University in Texas

As the oldest Baylor University founding institution in Texas, Baylor has been a beacon of academic excellence and Christian tradition for over 175 years. The university’s steadfast commitment to its mission and values has allowed it to thrive and evolve, earning it a reputation as a respected and influential institution.

Instrumental in Establishing UT Austin and Texas Tech

Baylor University’s Baylor University legacy extends beyond its own borders, as the university’s leaders were instrumental in establishing two other prominent Texas institutions – the University of Texas in 1882 and Texas Tech University in 1923. This involvement underscores Baylor’s significant impact on the development of higher education in the state.

Baylor Bears Athletics

Baylor University’s athletic teams, known as the Baylor Bears, compete in 19 intercollegiate sports as a member of the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. The university has a rich tradition of excellence in Baylor University athletics, with the Baylor Bears winning national championships in multiple sports, including men’s basketball in 2021 and women’s basketball in 2005, 2012, and 2019.

NCAA Division I, Big 12 Conference

As one of only three private school members of the Big 12 Conference, Baylor University competes at the highest level of collegiate athletics, the NCAA Division I. The Baylor Bears field teams in a diverse range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, track and field, and more.

National Champions in Multiple Sports

Baylor University’s athletic programs have achieved great success, with the Baylor Bears winning national championships in several sports. The men’s basketball team captured the NCAA Division I title in 2021, while the women’s basketball team, under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey, won the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship in 2005, 2012, and 2019.

Commitment to Student-Athlete Success

Baylor University takes great pride in its commitment to the academic and personal development of its student-athletes. The Baylor Bears have consistently finished either first or second among Big 12 institutions in Graduation Success Rate scores, reflecting the university’s dedication to ensuring that its student-athletes excel both on the field and in the classroom.

Baylor University in Waco, Texas

Nestled along the banks of the Brazos River, Baylor University’s 1,000-acre campus is located in the vibrant city of Waco, Texas. The university’s convenient location between the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and Austin provides students with easy access to the cultural and economic hubs of the state, offering a wealth of opportunities for exploration, internships, and future career prospects.

1,000-Acre Campus on the Brazos River

Baylor University’s expansive 1,000-acre campus offers a picturesque setting for students to thrive academically and personally. With the Brazos River running through the heart of the university, the campus provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for student life, complementing the institution’s rich history and commitment to academic excellence.

Convenient Location Between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin

Strategically situated between the bustling metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin, Baylor University’s location in Waco, Texas, gives students access to a wealth of cultural, educational, and professional opportunities. Whether exploring the vibrant art scene, attending major events and conferences, or seeking internships and career opportunities, Baylor students benefit from the university’s convenient proximity to these thriving hubs.

Affordable Education with TEG Program

Baylor University is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for students from all backgrounds. Through the Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) program, lower-income and first-generation students in Texas can afford to attend private universities like Baylor.

Tuition Equalization Grant for Lower-Income Students

The TEG program, established in 1972, provides financial assistance to eligible Texas residents attending private institutions in the state. The average family income of TEG recipients at Baylor University is approximately $47,188. These students may receive up to $5,246 per year during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years, and up to $5,810 per year in 2023-24 if they demonstrate exceptional financial need.

Cost Savings for Texas Taxpayers

The TEG program not only makes college more accessible for students but also provides significant cost savings for Texas taxpayers. By attending private institutions like Baylor, TEG recipients save the state an estimated $92.2 million compared to the cost of attending a public institution. This demonstrates the value and impact of the TEG program in supporting higher education and benefiting the state as a whole.

Research and Innovation at Baylor University

Baylor University’s commitment to research and innovation is reflected in its prestigious Carnegie Classification as an “R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity” institution. This prestigious designation, held by only 137 universities in the United States, including just 37 private institutions, underscores Baylor’s position as a leading research-intensive university.

Carnegie Classification R1: Highest Research Activity

Baylor University’s research enterprise has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. The university’s research expenditures have risen from $29.4 million to $47 million over a four-year period, and external research expenditures have grown by an impressive 28%. Furthermore, Baylor has increased its research dollars awarded from $11 million to over $27 million in just three years, while also witnessing a 34% increase in research doctorates awarded.

Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative

Reinforcing Baylor’s commitment to research and innovation is the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC), which opened in 2013. This state-of-the-art facility supports research and development, and serves as a hub for transforming innovative ideas into real-world solutions. The BRIC further solidifies Baylor’s standing as a premier research institution dedicated to driving progress and making a meaningful impact.

Faith-Based Education

As a private Baptist Christian university, Baylor University’s educational approach is rooted in the Baptist Christian tradition, nurturing the spiritual growth of its students alongside their intellectual development. The university’s long-standing commitment to Baylor University faith-based education has been a defining aspect of the Baylor experience for generations of students.

Baptist Christian Tradition

Baylor University’s Baylor University Baptist tradition is deeply ingrained in the institution’s history and values. The university’s founding in 1845 by Baptist pioneers has shaped its mission to integrate faith and learning, providing students with a transformative educational experience rooted in Christian principles.

Nurturing Spiritual Growth

Alongside academic excellence, Baylor University is dedicated to Baylor University spiritual growth, offering various opportunities for students to explore and deepen their faith. From on-campus chapels and resident chaplains to student-led organizations and service-learning initiatives, Baylor creates an environment that encourages students to cultivate their spiritual lives and connect their faith with their studies and future aspirations.

Baylor University: Tradition and Legacy

Baylor University’s rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1845, has imbued the institution with a strong sense of Baylor University tradition and Baylor University legacy. As the oldest continually operating university in Texas, Baylor has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the state and has produced countless successful alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions to their communities and the world.

The university’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of its students has been a defining characteristic of the Baylor experience for generations. From the establishment of the university by Baptist pioneers to the countless achievements of its alumni, Baylor’s legacy is one of innovation, service, and a steadfast dedication to the ideals of faith-based education.

Baylor’s vibrant campus community, diverse range of academic programs, and rich traditions like the annual Dr Pepper Hour and Dia Del Oso festival, all contribute to the enduring Baylor University tradition and Baylor University legacy that continues to attract students from across the nation and around the world.

Baylor University’s enduring Baylor University tradition and Baylor University legacy are a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders, faculty, and alumni. As the university continues to evolve and innovate, it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a transformative educational experience rooted in the Baptist Christian tradition.

Conclusion

Baylor University’s enduring legacy as a private Christian institution dedicated to academic excellence, research, and nurturing the intellectual and spiritual growth of its students is a testament to the vision and dedication of its founders. With its vibrant campus community, diverse range of academic programs, and commitment to affordability, Baylor University continues to attract students from across the nation and around the world, who seek a transformative educational experience rooted in the Baptist Christian tradition.

As the oldest continually operating university in Texas, Baylor University has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education in the state, producing countless successful alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions to their communities and the world. The university’s unwavering commitment to its faith-based mission, coupled with its pursuit of research and innovation, has positioned it as a leading institution that empowers students to thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.

Whether you seek a rigorous undergraduate program, a dynamic graduate degree, or a transformative educational experience grounded in the Baptist Christian tradition, Baylor University stands ready to provide you with the resources and support you need to reach your full potential. As you consider your academic journey, we invite you to explore the rich tapestry of opportunities that await you at this remarkable institution, where tradition and innovation converge to shape the leaders of tomorrow.