Baylor University's Student Population: A Comprehensive Overview

Baylor University, a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, welcomed 20,824 students in Fall 2023. The university's 1,000-acre campus is home to 15,155 undergraduate and 5,669 graduate students, representing all 50 US states and over 90 countries. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 or 16:1, Baylor offers a broad range of degrees across 12 nationally recognised academic divisions.

Baylor University's total student enrollment

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university with a total student enrollment of over 20,000. The university, chartered in 1845, is the oldest continually operating university in Texas.

As of Fall 2023, Baylor had a total enrollment of 20,824 students, including 15,155 undergraduate and 5,669 graduate students. The university welcomes students from all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and 90-100 countries worldwide.

Baylor's student body is diverse, with 36.5% of the freshman class identifying as minority students. The university also has a significant international student population, with 860 students representing 87-100 countries. Additionally, 17% of undergraduate students are the first in their family to earn a Bachelor's degree, and over 2,750 undergraduates are considered low-income.

Baylor offers a wide range of academic programs, with 126 undergraduate degree programs, 80 master's programs, 47 doctoral programs, and more. The student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1 or 16:1, and the average undergraduate class size is around 26-28 students.

With a vibrant campus life, Baylor offers over 330 clubs and organizations, including fraternities and sororities. The university also has a strong athletic program, known as the Bears, participating in 19 intercollegiate sports as part of the NCAA Division I.

Undergraduate vs graduate student numbers

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university with a total enrollment of 20,824 students as of Fall 2023. The student body is comprised of 15,155 undergraduate students and 5,669 graduate/professional students.

The undergraduate population at Baylor University is almost three times larger than the graduate population. This is a common trend among universities, as many students choose to pursue graduate studies at different institutions or not at all. However, it is worth noting that the number of graduate students at Baylor is still significant, making up almost a third of the total student body.

The relatively large undergraduate population at Baylor University can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate degree programs, with 126 undergraduate degree programs across various disciplines. This provides prospective students with a diverse array of options to choose from. Secondly, Baylor University has a strong reputation and is nationally ranked, which likely attracts a large number of undergraduate applicants. The university is also located in a desirable area, with its campus situated on the banks of the Brazos River, providing a attractive setting for students.

In contrast, the graduate student population at Baylor University is smaller but still substantial. The university offers a range of graduate programs, including master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. Baylor's graduate programs are highly regarded, with several programs, such as the law school and the Hankamer School of Business, being nationally ranked. This reputation for academic excellence likely attracts graduate students seeking advanced degrees. Additionally, the university's location in Waco, Texas, may be convenient for students who wish to remain in the region for their graduate studies.

The breakdown of undergraduate and graduate student numbers at Baylor University reflects the typical distribution of student populations at higher education institutions. The larger undergraduate population indicates a strong demand for bachelor's degree programs, while the significant number of graduate students highlights the university's ability to retain students for advanced studies or attract graduate applicants from other institutions.

Racial minority students

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university with a total enrollment of 20,824 students as of Fall 2023 (15,155 undergraduate and 5,669 graduate/professional students). The university was chartered in 1845 and is the oldest continually operating university in Texas.

Baylor University is actively working to maintain and increase the diversity of its student population. The university's Fall 2023 enrollment data shows that 36.5% of the freshman class are minority students, and 38.6% of students in the entering freshman class identify as belonging to a racial minority. In addition, 41.4% of students in the entering transfer class identify as racial minorities. This indicates a positive trend towards creating a more diverse student body.

According to the most recent demographic data, Baylor's student body consists of approximately 16% Hispanic/Latino, 9% Asian, 5% Multiracial, and 5% Black or African American students. The remaining percentage includes students of two or more races, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, or those with an unknown race or ethnicity. The total number of racial minority students at Baylor is approximately 34%, indicating that the university is making progress in enhancing its racial and ethnic diversity.

Baylor University's commitment to diversity is evident in its mission statement, which emphasizes educating men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. The university seeks to foster a "dialogue of difference" by creating an environment where students can interact and engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This initiative prepares students for meaningful engagement in a global society and enriches their overall college experience.

Student financial aid

Baylor University, a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, offers a variety of financial aid options for students. The university is committed to helping students from all financial backgrounds access their educational programmes. In fact, more than 90% of Baylor students receive financial aid, and 84% receive merit-based scholarships.

Merit-Based Scholarships

Your academic record and a full review of your completed Baylor application file determine your eligibility for a Baylor merit-based scholarship. No additional application is required, and all applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships.

Need-Based Financial Aid

To be considered for the maximum amount of need-based financial aid, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile. The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for programmes including Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, Alternative Loans, and Federal Work-Study (FWS). The CSS Profile will determine your eligibility for institutional, need-based aid.

Specialty Baylor Awards

Baylor offers a variety of “specialty” scholarships for students who meet specific qualifications. This includes athletic scholarships, scholarships for students who are active in a Baptist church or pursuing a career in the church, and scholarships for students whose parents are Baptist ministers or missionaries.

Outside Scholarships

Baylor recommends that students apply for as many outside/private scholarships as possible. These are usually offered by local businesses and service/religious organizations.

Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) Program

The TEG program helps lower-income and first-generation students in Texas afford higher education at private universities like Baylor. The average family income of TEG recipients is about $47,188, and students with the greatest needs may receive up to about $5,000 per year.

Installment Payment Plans

Baylor offers an installment plan that allows students to pay their out-of-pocket cost each semester in five monthly payments.

Baylor's ranking

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution. Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas, having been chartered in 1845. The university is ranked highly by many national rating services that evaluate the quality of education, research activity, affordability, baccalaureate value, and athletic excellence.

In the 2025 edition of Best Colleges, Baylor ranks #91 in National Universities. Baylor's ranking has improved in categories such as First-Year Experience (ranked No. 5 nationally), Learning Communities (No. 10), Best Undergraduate Teaching (No. 22) and Most Innovative Schools (No. 38). Baylor is also ranked #109 in Best Value Schools, #11 in Entrepreneurship, #39 in Nursing, #114 in Economics, #6 in Learning Communities, #23 in Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects, #7 in First-Year Experiences, #57 in Best Colleges for Veterans, #26 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, #26 in Most Innovative Schools, and #298 in Top Performers on Social Mobility.

The Princeton Review ranks Baylor's Entrepreneurship program 5th Best in the country, with high marks for the number of start-ups launched by graduates in the program. Baylor's Law School is also highly ranked, with graduates recording the highest bar passage rate in Texas. The university has also been recognised as a "Best Buy" for 2017 by the Fiske Guide to Colleges, a best-selling resource for college-bound students and their parents.

Baylor University has been named to TIME Magazine's inaugural list of the 100 Best Colleges for Future Leaders, and was included in the Chronicle of Higher Education's "Great Colleges to Work For 2023" list for the twelfth time. The university also ranked #45 in the nation in the 2021-22 Learfield Director's Cup standings, demonstrating the strength of its overall athletics program.

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