Baylor University
Baylor University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Baylor University at a Glance
Baylor University is a private Baptist research university in Waco, Texas, United States. It was chartered in 1845 by the last Congress of the Republic of Texas. Located on the banks of the Brazos River next to I-35, between the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex and Austin. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
1845
181 years old
$2.1B
$2.09 billion ( FY 2024)
20,626
14,915 undergrad · 5,711 grad
1,209
1,000 acres
Identity
Is Baylor University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Baylor University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $65,793 — 22% above average — while paying $41,104/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 80% graduation rate means roughly 20% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Baylor University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Baylor University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #5 of 9 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Ensign College | 44 | $10,824 | $50,630 |
| #2 | Syracuse University | 42 | $38,793 | $79,164 |
| #3 | Texas Christian University | 40 | $36,660 | $68,424 |
| #4 | Bellevue University | 34 | $17,550 | $61,289 |
| #5 | Baylor University | 32 | $41,104 | $65,793 |
| #6 | Loyola Marymount University | 32 | $48,381 | $78,349 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Baylor University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in TX.
Best Programs at Baylor University
The highest-earning program at Baylor University is General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations at $75,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $17,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations graduate from Baylor University earns $75,800, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $17,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations graduates carry $21,500 in median debt vs. $23,500 for Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $41,104/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $75,800 | $75,800 | $21,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $68,500 | $68,500 | $26,500 |
| Computer Science | $67,800 | $67,800 | $23,675 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $63,200 | $63,200 | $25,000 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $61,800 | $61,800 | $24,762 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $61,700 | $61,700 | $19,276 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $61,200 | $61,200 | $23,375 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $59,500 | $59,500 | $21,500 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $56,300 | $56,300 | $22,500 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $51,200 | $51,200 | $21,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,700 | $48,700 | $19,500 |
| Business/Managerial Economics | $48,200 | $48,200 | $19,550 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $46,200 | $46,200 | $20,250 |
| Marketing | $45,300 | $45,300 | $23,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,500 | $44,500 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $44,200 | $44,200 | $24,600 |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $41,100 | $41,100 | $24,625 |
| Journalism | $35,500 | $35,500 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,900 | $33,900 | $21,500 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $33,600 | $33,600 | $19,500 |
| History | $33,500 | $33,500 | $20,500 |
| Political Science and Government | $31,300 | $31,300 | $24,237 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $29,300 | $29,300 | $21,812 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $27,100 | $27,100 | $21,250 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $27,100 | $27,100 | $25,342 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $26,300 | $26,300 | $25,125 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs | $26,000 | $26,000 | $25,500 |
| Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology | $25,700 | $25,700 | $26,216 |
| Psychology, General | $25,500 | $25,500 | $25,175 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $25,500 | $25,500 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $24,800 | $24,800 | $23,900 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services | $23,800 | $23,800 | $20,468 |
| Sociology | $20,800 | $20,800 | $25,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $17,100 | $17,100 | $23,500 |
Similar Colleges in TX
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Waco, TX
- Student Body
- 14,785 students
- Admission Rate
- 51%
- Graduation Rate
- 80%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $41,104
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $65,793
- Median Student Debt
- $23,000