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Baylor University acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Baylor University accepts 51% of applicants. It is a private university in Waco, Texas, with about 14,785 undergraduates. The sticker price is $80,258 a year, but after aid the average family pays $44,441.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Baylor University?
Admitly estimates a typical applicant needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 69%.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into Baylor University by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1255, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Estimated chance |
|---|---|
| 3.0 | 9% Reach |
| 3.3 | 20% Reach |
| 3.5 | 32% Target |
| 3.7 | 46% Target |
| 3.9 | 62% Target |
| 4.0 | 69% Target |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at Baylor University
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $80,258 a year including room and board.
| Family income | Cost per year |
|---|---|
| Under $50k | $33,900 |
| $50k – $100k | $33,900 |
| $100k – $150k | $38,600 |
| $150k – $250k | $54,600 |
| Over $250k | $59,600 |
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about Baylor University
What is the acceptance rate at Baylor University?
Baylor University admits 51% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into Baylor University?
Admitly estimates a typical applicant needs about a 3.8 unweighted GPA for a better-than-even chance; with a 4.0 the estimate is about 69%. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for Baylor University?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1200–1400 on the SAT and 27–32 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does Baylor University cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $80,258 a year including room and board, but the average family pays $44,441 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $33,900.
What is the graduation rate at Baylor University?
82% of students finish their degree, and 91% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to Baylor University
- Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth, TX · admits 44%
- Texas A&M UniversityCollege Station, TX · admits 57%
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas, TX · admits 63%
- Santa Clara UniversitySanta Clara, CA · admits 48%
- Stevens Institute of TechnologyHoboken, NJ · admits 48%
- Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY · admits 46%