Baylor student body includes record highs for diversity, retention and four-year graduation rate

It’s hard to believe, but it’s almost been a month already since Baylor students started arriving on campus for Move-In and Welcome Week. By now, class schedules are finalized, students’ routines are established, and the numbers are officially in for this year’s student body.

As always, the numbers are pretty impressive. First, a look at the incoming Class of 2023, which numbers 3,307 students. According to Baylor’s in-house Academic Index (which combines high school rank, test scores and GPA), #BU23 is the most academically qualified freshman class in Baylor history. It’s also among the university’s most diverse freshman classes ever, with minority enrollment increasing to 37.3%.

The retention rate among all Baylor undergraduates from last fall to this one matched last year’s record high of 91.6%, and Baylor’s most recent graduating class set a school record for four-year graduation rate at 68.2%. (The six-year graduation rate remained about the same, at 78.1%.)

Overall, undergraduate enrollment held steady at just over 14,000 students, plus about 2,900 on-campus graduate and professional students and another 1,000 students participating in various online graduate professional education programs. Together, it makes for Baylor’s most diverse student body ever, with overall minority enrollment rising to 36.9%.

“This freshman class really signifies that Baylor is building a national and international reputation as we draw outstanding students from around the country and around the world while we pursue Research 1/Tier 1 recognition as the preeminent Christian research university,” says President Linda Livingstone. “Our students are excited to join the Baylor Family, receive a high-quality education, get involved in campus life and engage with our faculty in meaningful ways — from undergraduate research to study abroad to mission trips — in a supportive, faith-based environment.”

Sic ’em, Bears!