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Baylor University vs Prairie View A & M University

Baylor University is a private university in Waco, TX, and Prairie View A & M University is a public university in Prairie View, TX. Baylor University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 51% of applicants against 79% at Prairie View A & M University. Prairie View A & M University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,570 a year against $41,104 at Baylor University. About 80% of students graduate at Baylor University, compared with 43% at Prairie View A & M University. Ten years after enrolling, Baylor University alumni earn a median of about $65,793, against $45,411 for Prairie View A & M University.

Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Waco, TX
Prairie View, TX
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
14,785
8,877
Acceptance rate
51%
79%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.27–3.77
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1400
860–1080
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
16–21
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,104
$13,570
Full cost / yr
$74,226
$26,362
In-state tuition
$58,100
$11,299
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$26,874
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,024
$12,120
$30k - $48k
$21,530
$13,465
$48k - $75k
$33,902
$16,024
$75k - $110k
$38,852
$17,753
Over $110k
$47,895
$16,376
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
43%
Freshman retention
91%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,532
$36,350
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,793
$45,411
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
66%
First-generation students
17%
33%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Baylor University or Prairie View A & M University harder to get into?
Baylor University is harder to get into. It admits about 51% of applicants, compared with 79% at Prairie View A & M University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Prairie View A & M University?
Prairie View A & M University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,570 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,104 at Baylor University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Baylor University and Prairie View A & M University?
Before aid, Prairie View A & M University costs about $26,362 a year and Baylor University about $74,226. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Baylor University or Prairie View A & M University?
Prairie View A & M University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,120 there, against about $22,024 at Baylor University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Baylor University or Prairie View A & M University?
Baylor University is the larger of the two, with about 14,785 undergraduates against 8,877 at Prairie View A & M University.
Does Baylor University or Prairie View A & M University have a better graduation rate?
Baylor University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 43% at Prairie View A & M University.
Do graduates of Baylor University or Prairie View A & M University earn more?
Baylor University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,793 ten years after enrolling, against about $45,411 for Prairie View A & M University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Baylor University and Prairie View A & M University require SAT or ACT scores?
Baylor University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Prairie View A & M University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Baylor University and Prairie View A & M University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1400 at Baylor University and 860–1080 at Prairie View A & M University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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