Milestones Achieved in Fall Enrollment

Baylor achieved several enrollment milestones this fall, including the largest freshman class in University history and record numbers of undergraduate and graduate and graduate professional education students. Fall-to-fall undergraduate retention also increased to an all-time high. This comes despite the ongoing challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic for universities throughout the country.

“Even in the face of COVID-19 and its considerable impact on higher education, Baylor University’s distinct and compelling academic mission while pursuing Tier 1/Research 1 status as the preeminent Christian university remains undeterred,” said President Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. “Our distinguished faculty deeply value teaching undergraduates and providing classroom and research opportunities that engage students in the transformative experiences that distinguish a Baylor education.”

“This is a true testament to the incredible efforts of hundreds of staff and faculty at Baylor. From Undergraduate Admissions to Undergraduate Programs to the Paul L. Foster Success Center to our Bear Care coaches and so many others, this team effort ensured that all of our students have access to a high-quality Christian education that prepares them for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.”

The fall 2020 freshman class of 3,731 students surpassed the 2014 freshman class (3,625) as the largest ever. This years’ freshman class is also Baylor’s most diverse with minority enrollment increasing to 38 percent and out-of-state enrollment rising to nearly 40 percent.

Overall, Baylor officially enrolled 19,297 students this fall. Undergraduate enrollment increased to 14,399 students, but this number will remain steady according to the University’s strategic enrollment plans. Enrollment in Baylor’s expanding graduate and professional programs rose 24 percent to 4,898 students, including 2,010 students enrolled in various online graduate professional education programs.

Baylor’s overall student body is also the most diverse in University history with total minority enrollment rising to 37.9 percent and out-of-state enrollment climbing to 38 percent.

The undergraduate retention rate of 92.5 percent is the highest in University history, up nearly a full percentage point from fall 2019. Baylor’s four-year graduation rate among the fall 2016 cohort is 68.1 percent, while the six-year graduation rate for the fall 2014 cohort is 79.3 percent.