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Baylor University vs Southwestern University

Baylor University is a private university in Waco, TX. Southwestern University is a private university in Georgetown, TX. Southwestern University admits about 43% of applicants and Baylor University about 51%, making Southwestern University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $29,224 a year at Southwestern University after aid, and about $41,104 at Baylor University. About 80% of students graduate at Baylor University, compared with 71% at Southwestern University. Ten years after enrolling, Baylor University alumni earn a median of about $65,793, against $56,878 for Southwestern University.

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Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private

Southwestern University

Georgetown, TX · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Waco, TX
Georgetown, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,785
1,440
Acceptance rate
51%
43%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.41–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1400
1130–1300
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
26–30
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,104
$29,224
Full cost / yr
$74,226
$67,493
In-state tuition
$58,100
$53,813
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$53,813
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,024
$22,478
$30k - $48k
$21,530
$19,096
$48k - $75k
$33,902
$28,175
$75k - $110k
$38,852
$30,387
Over $110k
$47,895
$36,332
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
71%
Freshman retention
91%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,532
$49,249
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,793
$56,878
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
25%
First-generation students
17%
20%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Nov 3
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Feb 2

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 Southwestern University harder to get into?
Southwestern University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 51% at Baylor 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 Southwestern University?
Southwestern University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $29,224 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 Southwestern University?
Before aid, Southwestern University costs about $67,493 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 Southwestern University?
Baylor University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $22,024 there, against about $22,478 at Southwestern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Baylor University or Southwestern University?
Baylor University is the larger of the two, with about 14,785 undergraduates against 1,440 at Southwestern University.
Does Baylor University or Southwestern University have a better graduation rate?
Baylor University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 71% at Southwestern University.
Do graduates of Baylor University or Southwestern University earn more?
Baylor University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,793 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,878 for Southwestern University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Baylor University and Southwestern University require SAT or ACT scores?
Baylor University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Southwestern University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Baylor University and Southwestern University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1400 at Baylor University and 1130–1300 at Southwestern University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school