Baylor vs Belmont

Baylor University and Belmont University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Baylor, a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, boasts a lower acceptance rate (33%) compared to Belmont's 65% in Nashville, Tennessee. Baylor's student body is more diverse, with 38% identifying as minorities, while Belmont's student body is predominantly White (78%). Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with popular majors at Baylor including Business, Health Professions, and Education, and popular majors at Belmont including Music, Business, and Nursing. While Baylor's graduation rate stands at 78%, Belmont's is slightly higher at 80%. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more key differences and make an informed decision about which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Baylor University logo

Baylor University

Belmont University logo

Belmont University

Overview

Location Waco, Texas Nashville, Tennessee
Campus setting City: Midsize City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 88.0% 84.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Baptist Interdenominational

Admission

Acceptance rate 56.7% 88.1%
Application fees $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 1160 - 1350 1150 - 1340
ACT range 25 - 32 24 - 30
Students submitting SAT score 39.0% 22.0%
Students submitting ACT score 31.0% 44.0%
Total number of applicants 36,588 9,614
Total number of admissions given out 20,741 8,468
Admitted students who chose to enroll 4,271 1,834
Yield rate 20.6% 21.7%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $68,150 $59,150
Average net price $46,039 $35,268
Tuition $50,232 $36,650
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $7,200

Meal plan: $6,074
Room/dormitory: $7,250

Meal plan: $5,990
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

96.0%
Average amount $21,460
88.0%
Average amount $21,471
Students receiving federal student loan 38.0%
Average amount $5,411
35.0%
Average amount $5,137
Students taking out private loans 12.0%
Average amount $26,787
6.0%
Average amount $25,329

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 15,191
Men 39.8% Women 60.2%
7,076
Men 34.8% Women 65.2%
Graduate students 5,435
Men 34.4% Women 65.6%
1,620
Men 31.0% Women 69.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 43.4% N/A
International students 4.2% 0.8%
Campus local/setting City: Midsize City: Large
Dormitory capacity 5,321 3,734
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Texas California Colorado Illinois Washington N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Legal Profession
  • Education
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Communications Technology
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 81.6% 68.2%
Dropout rate 18.2% 31.7%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,204
  • Year 2: $96,457
  • Year 3: $109,058
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $100,127
  • Year 3: $100,370
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,388
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $98,739
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,072
  • Year 2: $69,338
  • Year 3: $85,393
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,702
  • Year 2: $75,047
  • Year 3: $82,751
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $79,793
  • Year 2: $71,015
  • Year 3: $82,525
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,614
  • Year 2: $65,320
  • Year 3: $82,203
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,012
  • Year 2: $52,941
  • Year 3: $75,979
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,433
  • Year 2: $63,522
  • Year 3: $74,962
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,921
  • Year 2: $66,897
  • Year 3: $74,883
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,913
  • Year 2: $110,643
  • Year 3: $117,926
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,633
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $91,743
Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $77,539
  • Year 2: $80,669
  • Year 3: $88,128
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,485
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $76,331
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,188
  • Year 2: $62,674
  • Year 3: $71,582
Law (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,042
  • Year 2: $52,420
  • Year 3: $67,413
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,328
  • Year 2: $61,651
  • Year 3: $57,696
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,459
  • Year 2: $55,026
  • Year 3: $57,289
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $30,024
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $48,289
International Business (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,925
  • Year 3: $46,756

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Baylor University and Belmont University?

    Baylor University, located in Waco, Texas, is a private Baptist university known for its strong academic programs, research opportunities, and Division I athletics. Belmont University, situated in Nashville, Tennessee, is a private Christian university with a focus on music, entertainment, and business programs. Baylor is generally larger and has a more traditional campus feel, while Belmont offers a more urban, arts-focused environment.

  • How do Baylor and Belmont compare in terms of academic reputation?

    Both Baylor and Belmont are respected institutions. Baylor is often recognized for its strong programs in law, business, medicine, and sciences, and has a Carnegie R1 classification indicating very high research activity. Belmont is well-regarded for its music business, entertainment industry studies, and nursing programs. While Baylor may have a broader range of highly ranked programs, Belmont excels in its niche areas, particularly those related to the entertainment industry.

  • What is the religious affiliation of each university, and how does it impact campus life?

    Baylor University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and its Christian values are integrated into campus life through chapel services, faith-based organizations, and required religion courses for undergraduates. Belmont University is a Christian university with a more interdenominational approach. While faith is important, it may be less overtly emphasized compared to Baylor. Both universities offer a supportive environment for students of faith, but the specific expressions of faith may differ.

  • How do the campus environments and locations differ between Baylor and Belmont?

    Baylor's campus in Waco, Texas, offers a more traditional college town experience with a large, self-contained campus. Waco provides a mix of urban and rural settings. Belmont's location in Nashville, Tennessee, provides students with access to a vibrant city known for its music scene, entertainment industry, and diverse cultural opportunities. Belmont's campus is more integrated into the urban landscape of Nashville.

  • What types of students are typically drawn to Baylor versus Belmont?

    Baylor tends to attract students seeking a strong academic foundation within a Christian environment, with opportunities for research and involvement in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including Division I athletics. Belmont often appeals to students interested in pursuing careers in the music, entertainment, and business industries, who are drawn to the creative and entrepreneurial atmosphere of Nashville.

  • How do the costs of attending Baylor and Belmont compare?

    Both Baylor and Belmont are private universities, and their tuition costs are relatively similar. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as room and board, fees, and personal expenses. It's important to check the most recent tuition and fee schedules on each university's website. Additionally, the cost of living in Waco, Texas, might be slightly lower than in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • What are the popular majors at Baylor and Belmont?

    At Baylor, popular majors include business, biology, nursing, engineering, and pre-med programs. Belmont is known for its programs in music business, songwriting, entertainment industry studies, nursing, and business administration. While both offer a range of programs, their areas of strength and reputation differ.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Baylor and Belmont?

    Baylor University is a member of the Big 12 Conference and has a strong Division I athletic program, particularly in football, basketball, and baseball. Belmont University is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference and offers a range of Division I athletic programs, with a strong reputation in basketball. Baylor's athletic program is generally larger and more nationally recognized.

  • What kind of student life and extracurricular activities are available at each university?

    Baylor offers a wide range of student organizations, including academic clubs, Greek life, religious groups, and intramural sports. Belmont also has a variety of student organizations, with a strong emphasis on music, arts, and entertainment-related clubs. Both universities provide opportunities for students to get involved and connect with others who share their interests.

  • How do Baylor and Belmont support career development and job placement for their graduates?

    Both Baylor and Belmont offer career services, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs. Belmont's location in Nashville provides students with access to internships and job opportunities in the music and entertainment industries. Baylor's strong alumni network and career center support students in finding opportunities across various fields. Both universities strive to prepare their students for successful careers after graduation.

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