Baylor University | Waco

Baylor University is a prestigious private Christian university in Waco, Texas, known for combining academic excellence with a deep commitment to faith-based learning. It is one of the oldest and most respected institutions in the southern United States and holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.

Founding and History

Baylor University was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, making it the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. It was founded by the Union Baptist Association under the leadership of Judge R.E.B. Baylor, a former U.S. Congressman and Texas Supreme Court Justice, along with Rev. William Milton Tryon and Rev. James Huckins. Its original location was in Independence, Texas, but it moved to Waco in 1886.

Baylor has maintained its Baptist heritage while becoming a nationally recognized research institution. It remains affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas but operates independently under its own board of regents.

Mission and Identity

Motto: Pro Ecclesia, Pro Texana
("For Church, For Texas")

Baylor’s mission is “to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.”

It is one of the few major research universities that explicitly incorporates a Christian worldview into its academic and campus life. The university is known for balancing rigorous academics, a service-oriented culture, and spiritual development.

Campus and Facilities

Location: Waco, Texas, along the Brazos River

Campus Size: Over 1,000 acres

Campus Features:

McLane Stadium (football)

Baylor Sciences Building

Armstrong Browning Library (housing the world’s largest collection of works by Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

The Mayborn Museum Complex

The Bill Daniel Student Center

Truett Theological Seminary

The campus architecture blends modern and traditional styles and includes historic buildings alongside cutting-edge research facilities. The Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative (BRIC) is a notable research and innovation park that supports engineering, science, and technology partnerships.

Academic Overview

Classification: R1 (Very High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Foundation (2021)

Enrollment (2024):

Total: ~20,600 students

Undergraduate: ~14,900

Graduate/Professional: ~5,700

Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1

Average class size: ~27

Colleges and Schools:

College of Arts & Sciences (largest academic unit)

Hankamer School of Business

School of Education

School of Engineering & Computer Science

School of Music

School of Nursing (Dallas campus)

School of Social Work

George W. Truett Theological Seminary

Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences

Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

Honors College (includes Great Texts Program and Baylor Interdisciplinary Core)

Programs Offered:

Over 130 undergraduate majors

80+ master’s programs

50+ doctoral programs

Dual degrees, pre-professional tracks (law, medicine, ministry)

Research

Baylor has significantly expanded its research capacity and infrastructure, aiming to become a leading Christian research university. The university emphasizes ethical research practices and interdisciplinary work.

Key Areas of Research Strength:

Biomedical and health sciences

Materials science

Environmental science

Human flourishing, leadership, and ethics

Religious studies and theology

Data sciences and artificial intelligence

BRIC (Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative) serves as a research hub and includes labs, collaborative spaces, and public-private partnerships.

Student Life

Campus Culture:

Over 330 student organizations and clubs

Active Greek life (fraternities and sororities)

Daily chapel attendance used to be mandatory and is still strongly encouraged

Many service opportunities and mission trips, both domestic and international

Residential Life:

Around 40% of undergraduates live on campus

Living-learning communities and themed residence halls (e.g., Global Scholars, Leadership, Honors Residential College)

Faith Life:

Weekly chapel services

Campus ministries and spiritual life programs

George W. Truett Theological Seminary supports theological education and ministerial training

Diversity and Inclusion

Baylor has focused in recent years on increasing diversity and creating an inclusive campus. While historically majority-white and Baptist, its student body is increasingly diverse.

Students from all 50 U.S. states and over 90 countries

About 39% of incoming freshmen in recent years identify as students of color

Support centers include the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Paul L. Foster Success Center

Athletics

NCAA Division I – Big 12 Conference

19 varsity teams

Mascots: Judge Indy and Judge Belle (live bears), Bruiser and Marigold (costumed mascots)

Major Achievements:

Men’s Basketball – National Champions in 2021

Women’s Basketball – National Champions in 2005, 2012, 2019 under coach Kim Mulkey

Men’s Tennis – National Champions in 2004

Regular bowl game appearances in football, with a modern stadium on campus (McLane Stadium)

Athletics are a significant part of Baylor culture, with strong alumni support and wide student engagement.

Notable Alumni

Chip and Joanna Gaines – Designers and stars of Fixer Upper

Angela Kinsey – Actress (The Office)

David Crowder – Christian musician

Trey Wingo – ESPN sportscaster

John Lee Hancock – Film director (The Blind Side, The Alamo)

Jeff Dunham – Ventriloquist and comedian

Rankings and Recognition

U.S. News & World Report (2025):

#91 in National Universities

#26 in Most Innovative Schools

Top 30 in Undergraduate Teaching

Forbes:

#152 among top U.S. universities

#37 in the South

Baylor consistently ranks among the top Christian universities and is increasingly recognized for research, student outcomes, and innovation.

Summary

Baylor University is a distinguished institution that combines top-tier academic programs, a vibrant campus culture, Christian faith, and a strong sense of tradition. With a long-standing commitment to both scholarly excellence and spiritual formation, Baylor stands as a unique presence in American higher education.