The Value of a Baylor Education

What is the real value of a Baylor education?

A private education is costly. Many universities will tell you the cost of college is an investment - that your college education is not only an investment of money, but of time, talent, engergy and emotion. They will tell you that ultimately it is an investment in yourself, and they are right. But here at Baylor we have something else to tell you - as you invest in your future, we invest in you. As the largest, private Christian research university in the nation, Baylor offers you the benefits of a large university without sacrificing the family atmosphere of a small school. Baylor provides a nurturing environment where the faculty know you as an individual and care about your success in and out of the classroom. Here you will be educated for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.

Baylor students report a significantly higher than average level of satisfaction with every aspect of their undergraduate experience than their peers at other private institutions. (Baylor ranked higher on approximately 90 percent of the items measured in a 2007-2008 survey.) Baylor graduates are successful in their careers after graduation as well with overall average starting salaries for Spring 2008 graduates topping $43,000.

But, you may still be asking what is the real value of a Baylor education?

• Kiplinger's Personal Finance ranks Baylor in the top 50 among the nation's Best Values in Private Colleges. Baylor also ranks second in the list for lowest total cost.
• The Fiske Guide qualified Baylor as a "Best Buy" based on its ratings of quality of the university's academic programs in relation to the cost of attendance.
• Baylor's tuition is one of the lowest of any major private university in the Southwest, and is one of the most affordable institutions in the nation.
• 85 percent of students receive some form of financial aid from a wide range of sources making affording Baylor a very real possibility.

We are committed to helping students from all financial backgrounds achieve their dreams of gaining a quality education. We are committed to you.

So, what is the real value of a Baylor education? We thought we would let Baylor students and parents tell you themselves:

"We had four daughters attend Baylor and graduate over a span of 10 years, and there is not a doubt in our minds that it was the best investment that we could have made! Every parent wants to feel secure in the place they send their child for college. Baylor was that place for our family - our daughters had experiences both inside and outside the classroom that made them into the young ladies they are today. The unique experiences and opportunities that Baylor offers along with the spirit and tradition of the university combine to create a well-rounded education like no other. SIC'EM BEARS!"

- Dave and Liz Thomas, Parents of Karen, Class of 2002; Christine, Class of 2004; Diane, Class of 2006; and Julie, Class of 2008

"As a mom of two Baylor graduates and one current student, I think the quality of the environment at Baylor has fostered my children's spiritual growth rather than work against it. My children have been in a position to academically learn the skills they're going to need for the rest of their life, but have also been able to seek out ways to serve the Lord - and that is a worthy investment from my perspective."

- Donna Burris, Mother of Lauren, Class of 2006; Audrey, Class of 2009; and Brian, Class of 2012

"I never really wrestled with which college I wanted to attend - I knew Baylor University was the place for me. Actually, the hardest decision I had to make was coming up with a plan to afford it. Even though the university did provide ample opportunities for scholarships, my parents were not sure if a Baylor education was worth it. However, over time I learned that being a Baylor Bear is not just about getting a degree, but (more importantly) about finding your calling. I am blessed to say that I spent four years in a welcoming atmosphere that prided itself on building meaningful relationships with both other students and faculty, helped me discover my unique strengths, challenged and redeveloped my faith, and gave me the inspiration to help make the world a better place. Yup, you really can't put a price on that."

- James Nortey, Class of 2008, currently pursuing a law degree at Harvard Law School

"When you know that you are receiving the best education, you know Baylor is worth it. The professors, opportunities, and the experiences you will get at Baylor are priceless. I have found a caring community unlike any other! I simply cannot put a price tag on my Baylor experience. It is a place that helped me grow not only as a student, but as a person. I know that I not only got a great degree, but I gained a life-long family, the Baylor family. At Baylor, you belong."

- Ariana Hernandez, Class of 2009