Baylor jumps into U.S. News’ top 5 nationally for ‘first-year experience’

From Line Camp to Welcome Week to the Baylor Line and the on-campus living experience, Baylor goes above and beyond to help new students feel like they are truly a part of the Baylor Family.

Eyes across the nation are taking notice — the most recent being U.S. News, which this year ranked Baylor in the top five nationally for “first-year experience.”

The write-up on Baylor noted the emphasis on Christian faith and service, as seen in traditions such as Steppin’ Out and the wide variety of missions opportunities. U.S. News also mentioned the 300+ student organizations available to help students find their place at Baylor, the experiences that come from living on campus (like Baylor’s Living-Learning Centers), and campus events like Dr Pepper Hour and Diadeloso that bring the campus community together.

Baylor also jumped into U.S. News‘ top 10 nationally for Learning Communities — schools where students “get to know one another and their professors especially well” — while remaining among the top 25 in both undergraduate teaching and undergraduate research opportunities.

It’s rare for a school the size of Baylor to be able to provide its students such a welcome to campus. Not surprisingly, most of the other schools in the top 10 are much smaller than Baylor. Only four other universities in the top 10 are R1 research institutions, and only two others play in major athletic conferences. The fact that BU can offer students such tight-knit community as well as the opportunity to be involved in big-time academics and athletics speaks to the unique “just right” qualities found here in Waco.

Sic ’em, first-year Bears!