Baylor University is a private Christian research university in Waco, Texas, with a history that predates Texas statehood. The university was chartered by the Republic of Texas on February 1, 1845, after Baptist leaders and civic figures organized a plan for a university that would combine higher learning with Christian commitment. Baylor first operated in Independence, Texas, and moved to Waco in 1886, where it joined with Waco University and developed the campus that remains its principal home. The university today identifies itself as the oldest continuously operating university in Texas and combines a residential undergraduate experience with graduate, professional and doctoral education. Baylor’s academic portfolio is broad. Undergraduate students can study business, engineering, computer science, data science, nursing, education, communication, journalism, health sciences, biology, chemistry, psychology, political science, history, languages, music and many other fields. Professional and graduate education extends into law, social work, theology, health and human sciences, business, education, engineering, science and the humanities. The university also supports honors programs and interdisciplinary pathways that allow students to combine academic depth with research, service and professional preparation. Its Christian identity influences the institutional mission, but the academic structure is that of a comprehensive research university rather than a specialized religious college. Research has become increasingly important to Baylor’s modern profile. The university supports faculty and student work in health, biomedical science, materials, data and computing, engineering, environmental science, business, social science, education, ethics and the humanities. Undergraduate research is available through departments, laboratories, honors programs and mentored projects, while graduate and doctoral students participate in research programs across the university. Baylor’s location in Waco also creates connections with health care, business, nonprofit organizations, schools and community partners in Central Texas. Undergraduate admission is holistic and highly competitive. Baylor accepts first-year applications through its own application and the Common Application. Students may apply Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Decision. The university is test optional for most first-year applicants, though some applicant categories must submit test scores. Academic preparation, grades, rigor, writing, activities and evidence of fit with Baylor’s community are considered. For 2026-27, regular full-time undergraduate tuition is $33,878 per semester, or $67,756 annually, before housing, food and other charges. Baylor also offers a Guaranteed Tuition Option and substantial merit aid. Its 2027-28 freshman merit awards range from the Independence Scholarship to the President’s Scholarship, while the Getterman Scholars Program can cover tuition, books, course fees, housing and food under its published terms. Career development is supported through the Baylor Career Center, specialized coaching, job and internship resources, recruiting events, graduate-school planning and employer connections. Baylor’s 2024 First Destination reporting showed a 92% overall success rate and a 90% placement rate for the graduates included in the survey, with an average undergraduate base salary of $61,636 among graduates for whom salary data were available. Students also build experience through internships, research, service, leadership and professional programs. Baylor’s combination of historic identity, Christian mission, research growth and professional preparation gives it a distinctive place among private universities in Texas and the United States.