Baylor University vs BYU: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Baylor University and Brigham Young University-Provo, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Baylor University vs BYU at a glance
Baylor University admits 51.3% of applicants and BYU 67.8% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $44,441 at Baylor University and $13,397 at BYU. Six-year graduation rates are 82.3% and 80.8%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Baylor University admits 51.3% of applicants and BYU 67.8%, so Baylor University is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $44,441 a year at Baylor University and $13,397 at BYU; BYU costs $31,044 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $45,498 at Baylor University and $9,893 at BYU.
- 82.3% of students graduate within six years at Baylor University, against 80.8% at BYU.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $72,408 for Baylor University and $80,228 for BYU; BYU is $7,820 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at Baylor University and $12,250 at BYU.
- Baylor University enrolls 14,785 students (midsize city) and BYU 32,952 (midsize city).
Side by side
Baylor University and BYU in numbers
The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.
| Measure | Baylor University | BYU |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 51.3% | 67.8% |
| Applicants | 36,588 | 11,608 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1200–1400 | 1270–1460 |
| ACT middle 50% | 27–32 | 28–32 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $44,441 | $13,397 |
| Tuition, in state | $63,620 | $6,888 |
| Tuition, out of state | $63,620 | $6,888 |
| Cost of attendance | $78,816 | $21,235 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $45,498 | $9,893 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $24,146 | $8,507 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $33,908 | $9,268 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $38,607 | $12,916 |
| Over $110,000 | $50,541 | $19,162 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 82.3% | 80.8% |
| First-year retention | 91% | 91% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $72,408 | $80,228 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $12,250 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $139 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 14,785 | 32,952 |
| Type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Setting | City: Midsize | City: Midsize |
| Location | Waco, TX | Provo, UT |
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Bachelor's programs both offer
Baylor University reports 80 bachelor's programs and BYU 97; 57 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Marketing
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Accounting and Related Services
- Political Science and Government
Questions about Baylor University vs BYU
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Baylor University or BYU?
Baylor University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Baylor University admits 51.3% of applicants and BYU admits 67.8%. Middle 50% SAT scores: Baylor University 1200–1400; BYU 1270–1460.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or BYU?
BYU has the lower average net price after grants: $44,441 a year at Baylor University against $13,397 at BYU. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $45,498 and $9,893. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Baylor University or BYU graduates earn more?
BYU graduates earn more at the median: $72,408 ten years after entry for Baylor University and $80,228 for BYU. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $12,250.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Baylor University or BYU?
Baylor University does: 82.3% of Baylor University students graduate within six years, against 80.8% at BYU.
How big are Baylor University and BYU?
Baylor University has 14,785 students in Waco, TX and BYU has 32,952 students in Provo, UT.