Baylor University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and GPA/test score ranges
- Competitive full-tuition programs like Carr P. Collins and Getterman Scholars
- Hidden gems such as Trailblazer, Departmental, and Christian Leadership awards
- Honors College and merit stacking rules
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~47%
- Middle 50% SAT: 1210–1390
- Middle 50% ACT: 25–31
- Average GPA (HS): 3.7–4.1 (weighted)
Source: Baylor University Common Data Set 2024–25 and Office of Admissions. Middle 50% = half of admitted students fall within this range.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Baylor at a Glance
Last verified: October 17, 2025
Baylor University blends the resources of a major private university with a faith-based mission and a strong record of financial aid. Nearly 95% of students receive some form of aid, and automatic merit scholarships can reduce the cost of attendance by tens of thousands of dollars.
Competitive programs like the Carr P. Collins Scholars, Getterman Scholars, and Regents’ Gold Scholarships can cover full tuition and provide additional stipends for leadership or service. Baylor also participates in Texas aid programs such as the Tuition Equalization Grant, which can stack with institutional awards.
FAQ
Is Baylor test-optional? Yes — Baylor remains test-optional through 2026. Submitting scores is optional but can improve merit award chances.
What is the average net price? Around $45,112/year after grants and scholarships, per federal data.
Does Baylor offer full-tuition scholarships? Yes — the Carr P. Collins and Getterman Scholars programs cover full tuition plus enrichment benefits.
When should students apply? Apply by Nov 1 for Early Action or Feb 1 for priority scholarship consideration. File the FAFSA and (if applicable) CSS Profile by Mar 1.
Baylor Admissions — https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/
Financial Aid & Scholarships — https://financialaid.web.baylor.edu/
Carr P. Collins Scholars — https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/scholarships-aid/freshman/carr-p-collins-scholarship
Getterman Scholars — https://honorscollege.web.baylor.edu/getterman-scholars
Regents’ Gold — https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/scholarships-aid/freshman/regents-gold-scholarship
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://ir.baylor.edu/common-data-set
College Scorecard (Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?223232-Baylor-University
💰 Cost of Attendance at Baylor University
| Category (2025–2026 est.) | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $63,620 |
| Housing & Meals (on-campus avg.) | $16,638 |
| Total (before aid) | $80,258 |
Note: Other estimated expenses — Books & Supplies ($1,530), Transportation ($1,548), and Personal/Miscellaneous ($2,398) — are not billed directly by Baylor but are included in official financial aid calculations. Actual costs vary by housing choice, travel distance, and personal spending habits.
That’s what families actually paid after Baylor scholarships and grants — no loans — according to College Scorecard data.
As a private university, Baylor requires both the CSS Profile and the FAFSA to determine eligibility for its own need-based scholarships and grants. The CSS takes a more detailed look at family finances, which can unlock additional institutional aid. File both forms by March 1 for priority consideration.
Who qualifies for Baylor aid?
All admitted students are automatically considered for academic merit awards. To qualify for need-based Baylor grants, submit both the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the priority deadline.
How much do families typically pay after aid?
The average family paid about $41,900 per year after scholarships and grants, though many high-achieving or need-based applicants pay considerably less.
Does Baylor meet full need?
Baylor is not a full-need institution, but it combines generous merit and need-based grants to make the private cost more competitive with Texas public universities.
Baylor Cost of Attendance — https://financialaid.web.baylor.edu/cost-attendance
Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://ir.baylor.edu/common-data-set
College Scorecard (Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?223232-Baylor-University
Baylor Admissions — https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Baylor awards a broad range of automatic merit scholarships to admitted students based on a holistic review of GPA and (if submitted) test scores. There is no separate application; awards are tied to your academic credentials at the point of admission and use both unweighted GPA and superscored SAT/ACT results, if available. Award bands are fixed, but actual cutoffs may shift as the class profile changes each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount (per year) | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Gold Scholarship | $21,000–$24,000 | GPA 3.7+ and SAT 1350+ or ACT 30+ (superscored) | No (automatic with admission) | Yes—maintain 3.0 Baylor GPA | High academic achievers at the top of Baylor’s profile | Apply by Feb 1 for top consideration |
| Provost’s Gold Scholarship | $18,000–$21,000 | GPA 3.5+ and SAT 1250+ or ACT 27+ | No | Yes—maintain 3.0 Baylor GPA | Strong students with good test scores/GPA | Feb 1 (priority) |
| Dean’s Gold Scholarship | $12,000–$15,000 | GPA 3.3+ and SAT 1150+ or ACT 24+ | No | Yes—maintain 3.0 Baylor GPA | Solid academic records even if not top tier | Feb 1 |
Note: Award bands are fixed for each entering class and use the highest superscore from SAT/ACT. Baylor is test-optional but submitting high scores may increase your award. Awards auto-renew with a 3.0 Baylor GPA. Apply by February 1 for maximum funding.
Is an extra application required? No—merit eligibility comes with the admission application.
Does Baylor superscore for merit? Yes—both SAT and ACT are superscored for scholarship review.
Can scholarships stack? Yes—they can combine with need-based aid, outside scholarships, and departmental awards, though total aid cannot exceed Baylor’s stated cost of attendance.
https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/first-year
https://onestop.web.baylor.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/types-aid/scholarships
https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/financial-aid/scholarships
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
Baylor’s top competitive scholarships go beyond automatic merit, offering higher award levels and extra recognition for outstanding achievement. Each has clear eligibility standards, firm deadlines, and, often, interviews or nomination requirements. These awards are highly competitive and have limited spots each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility & Requirements | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carr P. Collins Scholars Program | $5,200/yr × 4 yrs (≈$20,800 total) | Texas resident, top 25% of class; SAT ≥1310 or ACT ≥28; leadership, service, and financial need. Requires nomination + essays by Feb 1. | Yes—nomination & application | Yes—3.0 Baylor GPA | ~25–30 Texas students with leadership/service and strong stats | Feb 1 |
| Getterman Scholars Program | Full cost of attendance (4 yrs) | National; ACT/SAT above Baylor median, school/community leadership, essays and multi-stage interview. Invitation to in-person interview weekend is required. | Yes—invitation & multiple interviews | Yes—special requirements | 4 students per year—extraordinary academics and leadership | Interview Spring (by invitation) |
| Invitation to Excellence (I2E) | $1,000–$5,000 (one-time bonus) | High academic credentials (often GPA ≥3.7, SAT ≥1350/ACT ≥30); attend I2E event, submit essay/interview | Yes—invitation & event essay | No—one time | Hundreds invited, small subset awarded | Event date (invitation required) |
Notes: Award thresholds reflect the 2025–26 cycle and are pulled from Baylor University’s official descriptions. Collins and Getterman are the most prestigious, with exact figures and deadline confirmed each admission cycle. These awards STACK with auto merit, up to cost-of-attendance caps.
Do these replace automatic merit? No. Collins, Getterman, and I2E awards add to any merit, though total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
How many students win? Getterman: 4 nationally each year. Collins: ~25–30 Texas students. I2E: hundreds invited, only a subset awarded.
Are deadlines strict? Yes. Collins: Feb 1; Getterman: spring interview; I2E: must attend the event. Plan ahead to remain eligible.
https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/first-year
https://onestop.web.baylor.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/types-aid/scholarships
https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/scholarship-events
🎖️ Honors College
Baylor’s Honors College brings together four distinctive programs—Honors Program, University Scholars, Great Texts, and the Baylor Interdisciplinary Core (BIC)—for students ready to go beyond the standard curriculum. Admission is by separate application after the main Baylor form. The experience is best for those drawn to challenge, mentorship, and a small community within a large research campus.
High school GPA: ≈3.9+ with AP/IB or advanced courses
SAT/ACT: 1400+ SAT or 31+ ACT*
Intellectual curiosity, strong essays, and evidence of leadership, service, or creative engagement
*No official cutoff. Published estimates based on cohort stats.
- Priority registration and seminar-driven small classes
- Dedicated Honors housing and living-learning communities
- Guided research, honors thesis, or “Great Texts” projects
- Access to top national fellowship advising, special internships, and faculty mentors
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility & What Makes It Competitive | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Getterman Scholars Program | Full tuition, fees, room & board (4 years) | Exceptional academic record (typically 3.9+ GPA, 1450+ SAT/32+ ACT), plus essays, leadership, service; selection by application & interview at the Getterman Scholars Weekend | Yes—separate app + interview | Yes ≥3.5 GPA, program engagement | Only 4 selected each year nationwide—Baylor’s highest academic and service achievers | Late Fall/Early Spring (Getterman Weekend invite) |
| Honors College Scholarships | $1,000–$5,000/year | High-achieving admitted Honors students; evaluated based on essays, leadership, and academic/work samples | Yes, as part of Honors app | Yes—must maintain 3.5 GPA | Honors students with exceptional essays & academic projects | Priority: Nov 1, Feb 1 (rolling after) |
Notes: Baylor doesn’t publish exact numbers, but a limited number of Honors scholarships are awarded each year, with the Getterman standing out as the highest in prestige and value.
Is Honors admission automatic? No—a special application, essays, and sometimes recommendations are required for all four Honors College programs.
Does Honors slow your degree? No—Honors courses often fulfill core or major requirements, letting you graduate on time.
Can Honors awards stack? Yes—most Honors and Getterman awards stack with Baylor merit and outside scholarships, subject to Baylor’s total cost of attendance cap.
Deadline? Priority: Nov 1 and Feb 1. Getterman: late fall application, with interviews in the spring for finalists.
https://www.baylor.edu/honorscollege/
https://admissions.web.baylor.edu/financial-aid/scholarships
https://onestop.web.baylor.edu/financial-aid/undergraduate/types-aid/scholarships
⭐ College Specialties
Baylor is more than just Big 12 sports and a gorgeous Waco campus. As a private R1 research university, it’s known for blending rigorous academics with a faith-based mission. Baylor students benefit from nationally recognized programs that open doors to graduate schools, medical residencies, and competitive industries nationwide.
Baylor’s business school is consistently ranked among the best in Texas and is nationally recognized for entrepreneurship and accounting. Its entrepreneurship program ranks in the Top 10 nationally (Princeton Review, 2024), and accounting graduates enjoy one of the highest CPA exam pass rates in the country.
- Nursing & Health Sciences — Baylor’s nursing program partners with the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, making it one of the strongest nursing pipelines in Texas.
- Law School — Known for its rigorous trial advocacy program, Baylor Law is consistently ranked among the top trial advocacy programs in the nation (U.S. News, 2024).
- Pre-Medicine & Sciences — Baylor is a top feeder for medical and dental schools in Texas, with robust biology and chemistry programs tied to undergraduate research opportunities.
- Education — Baylor’s School of Education is highly respected statewide, especially for teacher preparation and educational leadership programs.
- Music & Performing Arts — The School of Music is one of the oldest in the Southwest, with notable recognition for its choral and instrumental ensembles, including the Golden Wave Band.