UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
Baylor University
Waco, TX 15,155 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
TexasBaptist
Accept
51.0%
Yield
16.0%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1150–1360
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
580–680
SAT Math (mid 50%)
570–680
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
25–31
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTENot separately reported in CDS
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$58,100
Total COA
$73,978
Avg need-based aid
$35,137
Avg merit award
$17,632
Net price after avg need aid
$38,841
Baylor meets 0.65% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Carr P. Collins Scholars Program
$6,000 – $6,000 / yr (renewable)
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
Baylor's AP Policy
Baylor University accepts AP scores for credit, generally requiring a score of 4 or 5, though some exams are accepted with a 3. Credit is awarded for specific Baylor courses, and no elective credit is given for scores below the requirement. The number of credits awarded varies by exam and score.
Min score
3
Credit cap
Uncapped
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayImportant
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
The mission of Baylor University is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment.
Distilled Themes
Worldwide leadershipServiceAcademic excellenceChristian commitment
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01Baylor is looking for students who are a good fit for their Christian mission and community.
- 02Demonstrated interest is considered, so encourage applicants to engage with the university.
- 03While test-optional, strong scores can still be a significant plus, especially for competitive programs.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Highlight any leadership roles and service experiences.
- 02Emphasize alignment with Baylor's Christian values and mission.
- 03Showcase a strong academic record, particularly in core subjects.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of engagement or demonstrated interest in Baylor
- An application that doesn't reflect an understanding of or appreciation for the university's Christian identity
- A weak academic record without an upward trend or extenuating circumstances
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Pre-health programs (Pre-MedPre-Dentetc.); Business (Hankamer School of Business); Nursing; Engineering and Computer Science; Entrepreneurship
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 15, 2025
Early Action
Non-binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Feb 1, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Feb 15, 2026
→ Apr 10, 2026
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
TrackedWeight: Considered
Baylor University considers demonstrated interest, which is confirmed on their admissions website and in their Common Data Set.
What they watch
- Campus visit
- Virtual info session
- “Why us” essay specificity
- Optional interview
Coach action
Encourage students to engage with Baylor through virtual or in-person visits and to thoughtfully complete the application, including any optional essays.
Provenance