Are students happy at Baylor?

Yes, students generally report high satisfaction at Baylor, frequently ranking high in national happiness studies (like being #4 by Resume.io in 2023) due to strong community, supportive first-year programs, campus engagement, and a nurturing Christian environment, though some students mention a "bubble" effect or specific campus rules like mandatory religion classes as potential downsides.

How happy are Baylor students?

The student body is generally satisfied with their experience at Baylor. The university offers a wide variety of student organizations as well as a vibrant Greek life. It also has a strong commitment to service with numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

What are the cons of Baylor University?

You might want to know though are that there are required religion courses, required chapel, visiting hours for opposite genders in all on-campus housing, and no greek houses allowed. Despite these downsides though, I still love Baylor!

Does Baylor have a party life?

There is still a party scene at Baylor. Mostly between the frats and sororities. Frats throw almost every weekend, and usually someone you will meet has the address to one of the parties. Most sorority girls will go party, some won't. You'll definitely pick and choose your crowd.

What do Baylor students do for fun?

Enjoy campus:

Play a round of “campus golf” Kayak, canoe or sail at the Baylor Marina. Stop and read a few of the memorial lamppost plaques. Go bowling in the Bill Daniel Student Center.

It's All About the Students

What is the girl to guy ratio at Baylor?

At Baylor University, the student body has significantly more females than males, with recent data showing roughly a 60% female to 40% male ratio, though it fluctuates slightly year to year, with some sources noting a narrowing gap towards a 58/42 split. For example, Fall 2024 data shows about 59.4% female and 40.6% male students, while a Fall 2024 report mentioned 58% female to 42% male. 

What is Baylor's reputation?

Baylor University enjoys high standing among many national rating services that evaluate quality of education, research activity, affordability, baccalaureate value, and athletic excellence.

Is Baylor a dry campus?

Yes, Baylor University is a "dry campus," meaning it strictly prohibits the possession, use, or being under the influence of alcohol (and other substances) for anyone covered by its policy on any university property or at university-related events, reflecting its Baptist affiliation. Violations can lead to serious disciplinary actions, including suspension or expulsion, in addition to legal penalties. 

Is Baylor a hidden ivy?

No, Baylor University is not considered a "Hidden Ivy," as that term generally refers to lesser-known, high-quality liberal arts colleges, while Baylor is a large, private Christian research university with a strong national reputation, though not an Ivy League member. While it's a respected institution, ranking well in undergraduate teaching and research, it doesn't fit the typical Hidden Ivy profile or claim that status, unlike schools such as Amherst or Swarthmore. 

What is the Baylor bubble?

The 'Baylor bubble' is a lively, highly walkable area

Students at Baylor University refer to the campus and surrounding environs as “the Baylor bubble.” This enclave just east of downtown Waco functions as a kind of comfort zone, where just about everything students need is a short walk away.

Is a degree from Baylor respected?

Yes, a degree from Baylor University is generally well-respected, recognized nationally as a strong Christian research university with high rankings in specific programs (like Law, Business, Nursing, Education) and for undergraduate teaching/research, plus high graduate placement rates, making graduates sought after by employers.
 

What is Baylor's stance on Lgbtq?

Baylor University maintains a stance rooted in its Baptist faith, affirming the biblical view of sexuality as between a man and a woman, while also providing support and resources for LGBTQ+ students, aiming for a welcoming environment with civility, though its policies, like its religious exemption from Title IX, create tension and concern for LGBTQ+ students' full protection from harassment. The university offers LGBTQ+ student support groups and resources through its Title IX office, Counseling Center, and Chaplain's Office, but prohibits advocacy groups promoting sexualities contrary to biblical teaching, leading to ongoing challenges in balancing faith commitment with inclusivity. 

Is Waco a fun college town?

Waco has lots of fun to offer. From Baylor sports to shopping in the Silo District, paddle boarding in the marina to catching the latest film.

Does Baylor have good Greek life?

Baylor is proud of the university's Fraternity and Sorority community. The students in Greek letter organizations are thriving in their experience with exceptional academic performance, significant service to the community, and lasting friendships grounded in the principled values of our Christian mission.

Is it worth going to Baylor?

Our campus is a nurturing environment with small class sizes, where faculty members know each student personally and care about your success. More than 90% of Baylor students receive financial aid. Personalized help supports your career goals. Many undergrads work alongside research faculty.

What type of students go to Baylor?

Baylor University has a diverse student body with 36% students of color and 3% international students, creating a rich multicultural learning environment that celebrates students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Is Baylor a drinking school?

Baylor University policy prohibits the unlawful manufacture, possession, use, sale, transfer, or purchase of a controlled substance or another dangerous drug such as a controlled substance analogue (designer drug) on or off the campus.

How hard is it to get into a sorority at Baylor?

Yes, getting into a sorority at Baylor University is competitive, requiring strong academics (like a 2.67+ GPA and 12+ hours) and proactive effort, including getting recommendations, as it's a selective mutual selection process where not everyone gets a bid, but many find a good fit through formal recruitment or Continuous Open Bidding (COB). 

Why do people want to go to Baylor?

At Baylor, students discover how to think critically, analyze to reach informed conclusions and contribute to their academic disciplines. Students find a college experience that prepares them for a path of excellence, discovery and achievement in their professional careers.

What is Baylor's biggest rival?

Baylor's biggest rival is widely considered to be TCU (Texas Christian University), a historic, cross-town rivalry known as the "Bluebonnet Battle," while the rivalry with the University of Texas (UT) is also a significant, long-standing one, especially in football. The TCU rivalry is one of the oldest in Texas football, dating back to 1899, while the Baylor-Texas rivalry has been played almost annually since 1923, per Baylor University sports history.
 

What is the Baylor controversy?

Baylor University sexual assault scandal. The Baylor University sexual assault scandal concerned numerous sexual and non-sexual assaults by Baylor University students, mostly players on the school's football team, and efforts by school officials to conceal them, from about 2012 to 2016.

Can Muslims go to Baylor?

Yes. Students are not required to sign any statement of faith to be accepted to or to attend Baylor. In fact, our students come from 50 U.S. states and more than 100 foreign countries, and that diversity means a variety of backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.

What percent of Baylor is white?

Racial and Ethnic Diversity: Baylor's student body is approximately 61% White, 16% Hispanic/Latino, 9% Asian, 5% Multiracial, and 5% Black or African American.

Can I get into Baylor with a 3.7 GPA?

Yes, you likely have a good chance of getting into Baylor with a 3.7 GPA, as it's strong and often meets or exceeds their average for admitted students (around 3.9 unweighted average), but admission also depends on test scores (if submitted), extracurriculars, essays, and your major, with some programs having higher GPA requirements. A 3.7 GPA puts you in a competitive position, especially with strong extracurricular involvement and a compelling personal statement.