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Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX·Private nonprofit·2,090 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who prefer a mid-size campus. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; fewer than half of freshmen return for sophomore year. a private nonprofit school with 2,090 students.

54%
Accept
2,090
Students
$20,540
Net Price
19%
Grad Rate
$47,200
Earnings
10 yr
$15,467
Debt

About This School

Wayland Baptist University is a private nonprofit institution located in Plainview, Texas with approximately 2,090 undergraduate students enrolled. Wayland Baptist University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 54%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,540 per year. The graduation rate is 19%, and the typical graduate earns $47,200 within 10 years of enrollment.

Wayland Baptist University (WBU) is a private Baptist university based in Plainview, Texas. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Wayland Baptist has 11 campuses in five Texas cities, six states, American Samoa, and Kenya. Chartered in 1908, it had about 4,000 students in 2021, including about 900 students on its main campus.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 19% graduation rate and 48% freshman retention rate are serious red flags suggesting many students either transfer out or drop out before finishing. On the upside, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $15,467, and the university's multi-campus network across several states and international locations offers flexibility for working adults or military-connected students. Worth considering only if you have a clear plan, strong support systems in place, and are drawn to its Baptist mission — otherwise, look carefully at whether this environment sets students up to finish what they start.

Founded
1908
Setting
Remote town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing36%
Education6%
Health Professions4%
Biological Sciences2%
Psychology1%
Computer Science1%
Visual & Performing Arts1%
English1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Tamyra Mensah-StockDevon MorrisBarry Loudermilk

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$23,186
Out-of-State Tuition
$23,186
Avg Net Price
$20,540
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants40%
Median debt at graduation$15,467

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
19%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
48%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,200
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,467
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,467
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$47,200
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.1x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White31%
Black18%
Hispanic/Latino32%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,090 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Wayland Baptist University

1900 W. 7th Street

Plainview, TX 79072

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Texas

Browse all Texas schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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