Diversity At Baylor University: A Student Population Overview

Baylor University, a private Baptist institution in Waco, Texas, has a total student enrollment of approximately 19,297, with 14,145 undergraduates and 3,403 graduate students. The student body is predominantly female, with a gender ratio of 60% women to 40% men. The university has a medium racial diversity, with 36% of students being people of color. The ethnic breakdown is 61% White, 16% Hispanic/Latino, 9% Asian, 5% Black or African American, and 5% multiracial. The remaining percentage includes Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, and unknown races or ethnicities. The university has a low geographic diversity, with 54% of students residing in Texas and 33% from out of state. The international student population is around 3%, representing 86-87 countries.

Racial/ethnic diversity

Baylor University has a total student population of approximately 19,297, with 14,145 undergraduates and 3,403 graduate students. The university has a below-average racial-ethnic diversity, with 34% of its students belonging to racial-ethnic minorities.

The student population is predominantly white, with 60.3% of students identifying as white, according to 2022 data. The second-largest racial-ethnic group is Hispanic or Latino, making up 15.4% of the student body. The Asian student population is 7.66%, while Black or African Americans make up 6.39%. Additionally, 4.5% of students identify as having two or more races, 0.333% are American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.14% are Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

The racial-ethnic breakdown of the student body has been shifting over time. While the Asian American and Hispanic student populations have been increasing, there has been an overall decline in the number of African American students.

International students comprise around 3% of the student body, with students from 86 to 87 countries represented on campus.

Male/female diversity

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, has a total student population of approximately 19,297, with 14,145 undergraduate and 3,403 graduate students. The gender breakdown of the student population is 60% female and 40% male, with around 11,643 female students and 7,654 male students. This distribution is reflected in both the undergraduate and graduate student bodies, with both levels of study having a gender breakdown of 60% female and 40% male.

In 2022, 5,700 degrees were awarded to students across all undergraduate and graduate programs, with 63% of these degrees awarded to women and 37% to men. This gender disparity is also reflected in the most common degree subjects, with 2,253 degrees awarded to women studying White Female (36.7%) and 1,358 degrees awarded to men studying White Male (24.5%).

Baylor University has a gender ratio of 61% women to 39% men, indicating that there are 57% more female students than male students enrolled. This ratio is slightly lower than the US average of 56% female students, suggesting that Baylor has a lower gender diversity than other US colleges and is less inclusive of male students.

The university is actively working to increase the diversity of its student population, including male/female diversity.

Student age diversity

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, has an above-average student age diversity score of 64.17 out of 100. The majority of students fall within the 18-19 age range, and 73.71% of students are considered to be of traditional college age (between 18 and 21 years old). This is higher than the national average of 60%.

The total enrollment at Baylor is approximately 19,297 students, with 14,145 undergraduates and 3,403 graduate students. Of the full-time undergraduate population, 60% are women, and 40% are men. Overall, there are 11,643 female students and 7,654 male students at Baylor. The gender ratio is 61% women to 39% men, indicating lower gender diversity than other US colleges.

The racial/ethnic makeup of the student body is predominantly White, with a smaller Hispanic population. 36% of students are minorities or people of color (BIPOC). The university has a medium level of racial/ethnic diversity and is committed to celebrating diversity and inclusion in line with its Christian values.

Baylor serves a low number of students outside of Texas, with 54% of the student body residing in-state. The university has a high geographic diversity score of 86 out of 100, with 33.23% of students coming from out of state and 2.65% from outside the country.

Geographic diversity

Baylor University has a high geographic diversity, with students from 86 countries and 44 states. 33.23% of students come from out of state, and 2.65% come from out of the country. The majority of international students come from China, Nigeria, and South Korea.

However, it has been noted that Baylor serves a low number of students outside of Texas, with 54% of the student body residing in-state.

Religion

Baylor University is a private Christian university with a Baptist affiliation. It was founded in 1845 and is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. The university is located in Waco, Texas, and is situated on a 1,000-acre campus along the Brazos River.

The student community at Baylor is largely bound together by religion and service. The university is a private, Baptist institution, and its student body is particularly active in faith-based activities and volunteerism. Each semester, students collectively donate 12,000 hours to service projects through a one-day programme called Steppin' Out, which involves students stepping away from campus life to engage with and serve the Waco community.

Additionally, students lead Be The Change, an annual event that includes speakers, breakout sessions, and activities that give religion a global focus. Freshmen are required to live on campus and must take two semesters of Chapel, attending worship services twice a week. Daily campus prayers and weekly "Dr Pepper Hour" gatherings further emphasise the role of religion in the student experience.

Baylor University offers a variety of faith-based academic programmes, including a George W. Truett Theological Seminary and a Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. The university's mission statement reflects its religious focus:

> "The mission of Baylor University is to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community."

The university's commitment to Christian values is also evident in its recent request for exemption from certain provisions of federal Title IX law related to the discrimination and harassment of LGBTQ+ individuals. The university's request was based on its interpretation of biblical norms regarding sexuality and marriage.

In terms of student demographics, as of 2022, the enrolled student population at Baylor is 60.3% White, 15.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7.66% Asian, 6.39% Black or African American, 4.5% Two or More Races, 0.333% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.14% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders.

While the majority of students identify as Christian, the university also welcomes students from diverse religious backgrounds, contributing to the overall diversity of the student population.

Frequently asked questions