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Baylor University vs The University of Texas at Austin

Baylor University is a private university in Waco, TX, and The University of Texas at Austin is a public university in Austin, TX. The University of Texas at Austin is the more selective of the two, admitting about 27% of applicants against 51% at Baylor University. The University of Texas at Austin is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,857 a year against $41,104 at Baylor University. About 88% of students graduate at The University of Texas at Austin, compared with 80% at Baylor University. Ten years after enrolling, The University of Texas at Austin alumni earn a median of about $75,121, against $65,793 for Baylor University.

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Baylor University

Waco, TX · Private

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Waco, TX
Austin, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,785
42,855
Acceptance rate
51%
27%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.46–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1400
1250–1510
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
27–33
Test policy
Considered
Required
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,104
$19,857
Full cost / yr
$74,226
$31,247
In-state tuition
$58,100
$11,688
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$44,908
Application fee
$0
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,024
$12,553
$30k - $48k
$21,530
$14,297
$48k - $75k
$33,902
$17,207
$75k - $110k
$38,852
$24,406
Over $110k
$47,895
$30,082
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
88%
Freshman retention
91%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,532
$60,896
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,793
$75,121
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$20,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
26%
First-generation students
17%
28%
International students
3%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Oct 15
Regular decision
Feb 1
Dec 1

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 The University of Texas at Austin harder to get into?
The University of Texas at Austin is harder to get into. It admits about 27% 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,857 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
Before aid, The University of Texas at Austin costs about $31,247 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,553 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 The University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is the larger of the two, with about 42,855 undergraduates against 14,785 at Baylor University.
Does Baylor University or The University of Texas at Austin have a better graduation rate?
The University of Texas at Austin has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 80% at Baylor University.
Do graduates of Baylor University or The University of Texas at Austin earn more?
The University of Texas at Austin alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,121 ten years after enrolling, against about $65,793 for Baylor University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Baylor University and The University of Texas at Austin require SAT or ACT scores?
Baylor University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. The University of Texas at Austin requires SAT or ACT scores.
What SAT scores do Baylor University and The University of Texas at Austin look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1400 at Baylor University and 1250–1510 at The University of Texas at Austin. 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