Wayland Baptist University: Chartered in Plainview, Texas, it has expanded to include extension campuses across Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska, American Samoa, Kenya, and a robust online program, serving nearly 9,400 students system‑wide as of 2025.

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Overview

Rooted in Baptist General Convention of Texas traditions, Wayland emphasizes spiritual growth alongside intellectual and professional development. Accredited by SACSCOC and several professional bodies, it offers more than 65 programs spanning associate through doctoral levels. The main campus hosts approximately 2,600 students and features small classes (about an 18:1 student–faculty ratio) that support personalized learning.

Graduation and post‑graduation success rates are solid, with about 92% of graduates pursuing further education or employment within a year. Known for its storied athletics—especially the women’s Flying Queens basketball team, recognized as the winningest in collegiate history—the university competes in NAIA’s Sooner Athletic Conference. Led since July 1, 2024, by Donna Hedgepath, its first female president, Wayland continues its mission to educate students in a learning‑focused and spiritually nurturing environment.

Wayland Baptist University Maps

Wayland Baptist University Phone Number and Website

The main switchboard and general inquiries line for Wayland Baptist University is 806‑291‑1000. For admissions-specific questions, you can call 806‑291‑3500 or email. The university’s official website is www.wbu.edu, which provides resources on programs, campuses, contact forms, and news.

2025 Rankings

World Report places the Plainview-based school in the #105-115 band of Regional Universities West, reflecting steady performance in graduation outcomes, faculty resources, and alumni giving.

On Niche’s 2025 scorecards, the university excels in campus safety and diversity, standing 167 / 1,288 for Safest College Campuses, 239 / 1,495 for Most Diverse Colleges, and 314 / 1,353 for Best Dorms in Texas, as it ranks tenth for diversity.

Edurank’s data-driven table positions Wayland 1,441st in the United States and 5,470th worldwide, consistent with its modest research footprint and enrollment size. Overall, the 2025 rankings portray Wayland as a regionally focused institution prized for a tight-knit, safe, and heterogeneous campus rather than marquee research prominence.

Admissions

Wayland Baptist University (WBU) evaluates applicants through a streamlined process focused on academics and readiness. Freshman applicants must complete an online application and pay a $35 fee. They need to submit an official high school transcript—students with at least six completed semesters, even before graduation, may receive conditional admission.

ACT or SAT scores are required for applicants under age 22, with typical admitted scores ranging from 953–1128 (SAT) and 16–21 (ACT); GPAs around 2.5–3.75 are common, averaging near 3.24. Transfer students must provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, and may be exempt from standardized tests if over 22 .

International students must also submit evaluations of foreign credentials, demonstrate English proficiency via Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS, and show proof of financial support . The university practices rolling admission with about a 54% acceptance rate. 

Admissions Stats

The average incoming GPA is about 3.24. Yield (students who enroll) is around 27 %, with approximately 289 freshmen matriculating annually.

Will You Get Into Wayland Baptist University?

Your chances hinge mainly on your grades and test scores. Wayland Baptist University admits about 54% of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 953–1128 on the SAT or have an ACT between 16–21, with an average GPA of around 3.2–3.3.

It uses rolling admissions, and test scores are optional, though submitting scores in or above those ranges strengthens your application. A strong high school GPA, quality personal statement, and extracurriculars can significantly boost your chances even if your scores fall a bit below.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to Wayland Baptist University must submit a completed application and pay a $35 fee (sometimes waived). A sealed official high school transcript showing at least six semesters—final transcript upon graduation—is required, with transfer students also providing college transcripts.

Applicants under 22 must supply official SAT or ACT scores (school codes: SAT 6930, ACT 4246); most admitted students have SATs of 953–1128 or ACTs of 16–21 and GPAs around 2.5+. International students need to submit transcripts, English proficiency (Duolingo 100, TOEFL 61, or IELTS 6.0), and proof of first‑year funding. Additional requirements may apply based on background.

Applications

To apply to Wayland Baptist University, submit an online application plus official transcripts from all prior schools. A $35 fee applies (which may be waived through a campus visit or economic need), and standardized tests (SAT/ACT) are optional, though helpful.

Rolling admissions, so you can apply until classes begin, with both early (Jan 12) and regular deadlines (Mar 23) noted for recent cycles. For nursing or graduate programs, additional prerequisites, health documents, and program-specific steps apply. Veterans must provide academic and military transcripts. Most applicants are accepted, with an acceptance rate of around 54 %.

Cost

Wayland Baptist University’s undergraduate sticker price for full‑time (12–18 credits) students at its Plainview campus in 2024–25 is about $22,054 tuition, plus $1,728 fees and $672 for course materials, totaling around $24,454 direct costs per year.

Including living, transportation, and personal expenses, on‑campus attendance averages about $34,236 in direct costs and rises to roughly $38,136 total cost of attendance with indirect expenses. Online undergraduates pay about $10,824 in tuition and $284 in fees, or $11,780 in direct costs annually. After aid, students typically pay around $22,663 per year.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Wayland Baptist University’s on‑campus undergraduate cost for 2024–25 includes block tuition ($22,054), fees ($1,728), course materials ($672), and living ($9,782), totaling around $34,236, plus about $3,860 for indirect expenses. Off‑campus direct costs are roughly $24,454.

Online undergrad tuition is $10,824 plus $284 in fees, totaling $11,780. About 75 % of students receive financial aid with an average award of $17,658. Net price averages approximately $22,663 per year.

Tuition & Expenses

A full‑time undergraduate attending Wayland Baptist’s Plainview campus (12–18 credit hours) in 2024–25 pays block tuition of about $22,054, fees near $1,728, and course materials of around $672, totaling roughly $24,454 without housing.

On‑campus living adds about $9,782, making the annual direct cost about $34,236; off‑campus living pushes combined expenses to around $44,044, including indirect costs like transportation and miscellaneous items. Online undergraduates see annual tuition and fees near $11,780, with estimated living and other costs totalling about $31,390.

Financial Aid Statistics

The average annual aid package ranges from $14,500 to $16,169, with federal grants and institutional grants (~$10,834) contributing. Net price after aid averages around $17,600–$22,700 per year. About 68% of undergraduates take federal loans. The student loan default rate was 0% as of 2020.

Student Loan Debt

Students at Wayland Baptist University typically borrow around $8,517 in federal loans per year, which adds up to approximately $34,068 over four years . About 48% of undergraduates take out these loans annually. Among 2024 graduates who borrowed, the average total indebtedness was roughly $31,173.

Compared with national figures, their annual borrowing is modestly above average, while overall debt is around the median for similar private nonprofit institutions. The three-year federal loan default rate stands low, reflecting manageable post‑graduation repayment.

Scholarships

Wayland Baptist University offers a rich range of scholarships, including merit‑based Academic Scholarships evaluated by GPA or ACT/SAT/CLT scores, top-tier Pioneer Scholarships (Trustee, President, Dean levels), and honors‑program awards. Transfer students can access Blue & Gold Scholarships in multiple tiers, including Phi Theta Kappa and Pioneer options.

Need‑based awards include Academic School, Endowed and Memorial, Alumni, Ministerial, and Christian Leadership scholarships, each with varying criteria and renewal requirements. All scholarships typically require full‑time enrollment and GPA maintenance; most renew for up to eight terms.

Jobs

Wayland Baptist University, a private Baptist institution established in 1908 in Plainview, Texas, employs faculty, staff, adjuncts, and administrators across its main campus and multiple locations.

Current openings include roles like part‑time instructors in Nursing, Political Science, Sociology; positions in student activities and admissions; plus staff roles from bursar to athletics and multimedia specialist. Students may also earn on campus via the Student Employment Program, working up to 20 hrs/week at $7.25/hr, sometimes through Federal Work‑Study. Applications use a WBU job number through their online portal.

Academics

Wayland Baptist University delivers a faith‑based liberal arts education through nine academic schools and small classes (10:1 ratio, nearly 90 % under 20 students). Undergraduates can choose from more than 40 majors and numerous pre‑professional tracks, while graduate students can pursue about 14 master’s degrees and doctoral studies, offered both on campus and online.

Academic support includes writing, math, and study skills programs. Emphasis on mentoring, internships, research, service learning, and honors courses ensures practical and personal growth, preparing graduates for meaningful careers and community impact within a supportive Christian framework.

Faculty & Classes

Wayland Baptist University’s faculty blend professional expertise with dedication to student success, offering personalized attention in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Many instructors hold advanced degrees and bring real-world experience into the classroom, enhancing academic growth. Core classes span business, education, social sciences, and nursing, with flexible delivery formats including in‑person, online, and hybrid.

Professors often engage students through practical, project‑based learning, mentorship, and small class sizes. Graduate-level courses build on foundational knowledge, emphasizing leadership, research, and applied skills. Across disciplines, the curriculum is designed to be relevant, challenging, and supportive, preparing learners for professional and civic life.

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Students

Wayland Baptist University students form a diverse, faith-centered community blending spiritual growth, academic ambition, and strong camaraderie. With around 2,160 undergraduates—nearly balanced by gender and representing many states and countries—they engage deeply in campus life: student-run media, ministries, clubs, athletics, and leadership roles.

Living both on- and off‑campus, many connect through chapel, sports events, and artistic gatherings like the fine arts gala. Surveys call them “smart, fun young adults” who value tight bonds and supportive mentorship.

Student Diversity

Wayland Baptist University embraces a richly diverse student body, cultivating a welcoming environment where individuals from varied backgrounds—cultural, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic—come together. With students representing multiple states and several nations, the institution encourages cross-cultural understanding through inclusive programming and supportive campus organizations.

This diversity enriches the academic experience, fostering broader perspectives in classrooms and community life. Through collaborative learning and engagement, students gain a deeper appreciation for global viewpoints, enhancing both personal growth and career readiness in an increasingly interconnected world.

Student Life Stats

Housing & Residence Halls

Types of campus housing available