Baylor sets records for fall enrollment, even amidst COVID-19

COVID-19 had colleges and universities nationwide worried that large numbers of students would choose to stay closer to home this fall or take a year off amidst the pandemic. For some schools, those worries have come true — but not at Baylor.

Despite everything happening in the world today, Baylor managed to enroll the largest freshman class in our 175-year history, along with record numbers of undergraduate and graduate and professional education students — all while maintaining the usual academic quality. Year-over-year undergraduate retention also increased to an all-time high, according to the official numbers released last week.

A quick breakdown of the numbers:

• A record freshman class of 3,731
• The most diverse class in BU history (38% minority, almost 40% out-of-state)
• A record student body of 19,297 students
• The most diverse student body in BU history (37.9% minority, 38% out-of-state)
• A record 92.5% undergrad retention rate
• 14,399 undergraduate students
• 4,898 graduate & professional program students, including 2,010 in online graduate professional education programs

“Even in the face of many unknowns and uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tremendous interest in a Baylor University education from prospective students and their families as well as from our continuing students never wavered,” says President Linda Livingstone. “This is a true testament to the incredible efforts of hundreds of staff and faculty at Baylor… This team effort ensured that all of our students have access to a high-quality Christian education that prepares them for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community.”

Sic ’em, Bears!