Baylor University vs University of Houston-Downtown
Baylor University is a private university in Waco, TX, and University of Houston-Downtown is a public university in Houston, TX. Baylor University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 51% of applicants against 90% at University of Houston-Downtown. University of Houston-Downtown is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $10,542 a year against $41,104 at Baylor University. About 80% of students graduate at Baylor University, compared with 33% at University of Houston-Downtown. Ten years after enrolling, Baylor University alumni earn a median of about $65,793, against $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Waco, TX
Houston, TX
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
14,785
12,555
Acceptance rate
51%
90%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.22–3.72
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1400
940–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
27–32
16–22
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,104
$10,542
Full cost / yr
$74,226
$20,749
In-state tuition
$58,100
$7,708
Out-of-state tuition
$58,100
$17,548
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,024
$9,439
$30k - $48k
$21,530
$10,048
$48k - $75k
$33,902
$11,247
$75k - $110k
$38,852
$15,488
Over $110k
$47,895
$19,380
Outcomes
Graduation rate
80%
33%
Freshman retention
91%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$56,532
$49,120
Median earnings (10 yr)
$65,793
$53,551
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$18,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
12%
55%
First-generation students
17%
53%
International students
3%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jul 31
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.
- Is Baylor University or University of Houston-Downtown harder to get into?
- Baylor University is harder to get into. It admits about 51% of applicants, compared with 90% at University of Houston-Downtown. 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- University of Houston-Downtown is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,542 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- Before aid, University of Houston-Downtown costs about $20,749 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- University of Houston-Downtown. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,439 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 University of Houston-Downtown?
- Baylor University is the larger of the two, with about 14,785 undergraduates against 12,555 at University of Houston-Downtown.
- Does Baylor University or University of Houston-Downtown have a better graduation rate?
- Baylor University has the higher graduation rate, at about 80% against 33% at University of Houston-Downtown.
- Do graduates of Baylor University or University of Houston-Downtown earn more?
- Baylor University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $65,793 ten years after enrolling, against about $53,551 for University of Houston-Downtown. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Baylor University and University of Houston-Downtown require SAT or ACT scores?
- Baylor University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Houston-Downtown is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Baylor University and University of Houston-Downtown look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1400 at Baylor University and 940–1110 at University of Houston-Downtown. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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