baylor vs university of houston

baylor vs university of houston

Baylor University is a private, Baptist-related university in Waco, Texas, with a student-faculty ratio of about 15:1. Admission is moderately selective—with an acceptance rate of about 51%, higher mean SAT (around 1290) and ACT scores—and the university provides generous aid packages. The six-year graduation rate at Baylor is around 72%, and median earnings for graduates 10 years after entry are around USD 56,200. It is famous for business, health professions, biology, communication, and social sciences majors.

University of Houston (UH) is a large public research university located in Houston, Texas, with a student-faculty ratio of about 21:1. Admissions are less competitive—acceptance rates around 70%, with lower average SAT/ACT scores—and UH has a highly diverse student population.The ten-year median earnings are higher at around USD 59,000, but the graduation rate is lower at approximately 46%. UH's most in-demand majors are Psychology, Business, Social Sciences, Communication, and Biology

Overview Comparison
Baylor UniversityUniversity of Houston
Collegedunia Score4.2 Out of 104.8 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 801 Times Higher Education 2026
# 1001 QS World University 2026
# 528 Center for World University Rankings 2025
# 401 Times Higher Education 2026
# 556 QS World University 2026
# 267 Center for World University Rankings 2025
Subject Strength# 163 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 190 for Medicine by US News 2022
# 43 for Law by US News 2025
# 72 for Engineering by US News 2025
# 401 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 63 for Law by US News 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -112
PG Programs -21
UG Programs -120
PG Programs -61
Doctorate Programs -7
Acceptance Rate51.0 %66.0 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
SAT-1190
TOEFL-90
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1110
TOEFL-79
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   42842
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  38472
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 27435 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   25991
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  25470
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 26559 Per Year
placement (average package)

85% of students seeking employment were placed within 6 months of graduation. $55,000 is the average salary of the graduates. Top employers include E&Y, KPMG, Oracle, Deloitte, Amazon, AT&T, PWC, Accenture etc.


Some of the programs and the average salary are as follows:

Executive MBA: $192,000

MBA: $130,000

Masters in Science: $115,000

BBA: $84,000

Bachelor of Science: $68,000

Bachelor of Arts: $66,000 


application requirements

Submit official transcripts

Submit essay

Submit exam scores

Submit English language proficiency

Check program specific requirements

Submit official transcripts 

Submit English language scores

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CollegeDunia Reviews7.7/10 Read 2 reviews7.5/10 Read 15 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 151 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 54 for Business by US News 2025
# 401 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 201 for Business by QS World University 2026
# 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025
# 63 for Business by US News 2024
application--
exam scoresDuolingo - 125/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 125/160GMAT - 610/800GRE - 305/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 70/90TOEFL - 100/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -25869Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
application datesDec 1, 2023 (Application Deadline For Spring Intake)
Feb 15, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake)
May 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer Intake)
Apr 15, 2025 (Fee Depost deadline for Fall 2025 Intake)
Apr 15, 2025 (Fee Depost deadline for Fall 2026 Intake)
Oct 15, 2025 (Fee Depost deadline for Spring 2026 Intake)
Oct 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Mar 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake)
Oct 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Spring 2026 Intake)
Mar 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall 2026 Intake)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsBaylor UniversityUniversity of Houston
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1845
1927
Student:Faculty Ratio15:1
21:1
Male:Female41% Male, 59% Female50% Male, 50% Female
Location Facts

Baylor University is a private Baptist Christian research university in Waco, Texas. 


UH is in southeast Houston, with an official address of 4800 Calhoun Road. The University of Houston's campus framework has identified the following five core districts: the Central District, the Arts District, the Professional District, the Residential District, and the Athletics District.


Library

The Baylor Libraries support the mission of the University by undergirding scholarship, fostering teaching and learning, and building communities.


The University of Houston libraries include:

M.D. Anderson Library (the main library),
William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library,
O’Quinn Law Center Library,
Music Library,
Health Sciences Library, and

Hospitality Industry Archives

These libraries constitute a premier research facility with large collections in both print and electronic formats. These collections consist of over 3.2 million volumes, 170,000 journals, as well as access to manuscripts, maps, electronic datasets and tens of thousands of digitized images of unique items.


Campus Life

More than 16,000 students study at Baylor University, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and approximately 89 foreign countries. The university clubs and organizations provide each student with an opportunity to become engaged with an organization that shares his or her interests.At Baylor, 36 percent of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing and 64 percent of students live off campus.  Approximately 14 percent of undergraduate men are members of fraternities, and 21 percent of undergraduate women are members of a sorority. Every semester, students participate in various intramural sports. Students build teams within campus organizations, sororities/fraternities, residence halls, and personal friend groups. Baylor student athletes participate in NCAA Division I as part of the Big 12 Conference. Baylor has many traditions that have developed since the university was founded. Some take the form of annual celebrations, while others are symbolized in memorials. The Baylor Chamber of Commerce is the oldest student organization on the campus that is responsible for most of the school's traditions.


The University of Houston is notable for its diverse student body, and U.S. News & World Report ranks the university as the second-most ethnically diverse research university in the United States. UH has several on campus dormitories: Moody Towers, The Quad, Cougar Village I & II, Cougar Place, University Lofts, Bayou Oaks, Cullen Oaks, and Cambridge Oaks. The university has an intercollegiate sports program that competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA's Division I sports at the University of Houston include baseball, basketball, cross country, American football, golf, and track and field for men; basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field for women. The campus life offers the vibe of a small community set amongst the urban offerings of Houston. The on-campus offerings include restaurants, art exhibits, activity centers, live performances and athletic events which make our university much more than a place to learn — it's a place to thrive.


Hostel#Off campus (not with family) - $11448
#On campus - $12163
#Off campus (with family) - $3824
#Off campus (not with family) - $11067
#Off campus (with family) - $5508
#On campus - $9984
City Life

Waco, Texas is a vibrant city located in Central Texas. Here locals and visitors alike can enjoy plenty of activities from visiting the historic Magnolia Market, participating in one of the many festivals throughout the year, or simply exploring the downtown area. With its excellent schools, thriving businesses and plenty of recreational opportunities it's no wonder why so many people choose to make Waco their home. There are also numerous dining options, shopping centers and entertainment venues available for those looking for some fun.


 A good place to live, Houston is the most populated city in Texas and is the fourth most populated city in the entire United States right behind Chicago. Prized for its diversity, Houston is considered one of the best places to live in Texas due to its quality of life and welcoming atmosphere. Best known for its space exploration, energy industry, and affordable cost of living, it is no wonder why Houston has become a top destination for relocation. Plus, receiving high safety ratings, Houston is attracting many families, young couples, and retirees to the area.  With a cost of living that is lower than other large cities, Houston is noticeably less expensive than living in San Francisco or living in New York City. The cost of living in Houston is also 5% less than living in Dallas and 19% less than living in Austin. To live comfortably in Houston, a recommended annual salary of almost $35,000 is advised to afford at least a one-bedroom apartment in the city. The median income in Houston is $52,338. Houston's booming job market is one of the many reasons the population is skyrocketing. Not only is real estate affordable but thousands of jobs are attracting young professionals to the area. The most popular industries in Houston are oil and gas, medical research, aerospace, technology, and healthcare. Some of the largest employers and businesses in the area include Walmart, Memorial Hermann Health Services, Shell Oil Company, United Airlines, Kroger, and Houston Methodist.


Weather
Comparison Notes

Baylor University vs University of Houston

Subject Strength & Rankings (2025/2026)

Baylor and the University of Houston (UH) are both respected Texas institutions but differ in scope and prestige. Baylor, a private Christian university, is ranked at around 440 among U.S. News 2025 University of Houston ranked 416 with strengths in business, nursing, pre-law, engineering, and health sciences. UH, a public Tier One research university, ranks higher in terms of research output and diversity, excelling in engineering, business, energy, and law, with a strong urban research focus.


General Information

Baylor University is a private, faith-affiliated institution in Waco with about 20,800 students. It emphasizes undergraduate teaching, community life, and traditions, while also maintaining R1 research status.University of Houston is a large public research university located in Houston with over 47,000 students, known for its diversity and urban engagement, offering extensive programs across professional fields.


Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Baylor has a moderate selectivity rate 51% with relatively higher SAT/ACT averages and strong financial aid packages.UH is more accessible 70% acceptance rate admitting a wider range of students, particularly first-generation and transfer students from Texas and beyond.


Research Impact & Facilities

Baylor is an R1 university, emphasizing health sciences, pre-med, law, and religion-related research, alongside growing engineering and STEM infrastructure.UH is also an R1 university, with nationally recognized research in engineering, energy, space science, and law, backed by Houston’s economic hub and partnerships with industries.


Cost & Financial Aid

Baylor is private and more expensive, with tuition around $58,000 per year, but offers significant financial aid (average package ~$37K).UH, as a public institution, is considerably more affordable, with in-state tuition around $11,000 per year and broader accessibility for Texas residents.


Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Baylor graduates benefit from strong placement in healthcare, law, business, and ministry, with median alumni earnings around $56,200 (10 years after entry).UH graduates leverage Houston’s thriving energy, tech, healthcare, and business sectors, with median alumni earnings slightly higher, around $59,000 (10 years after entry).