By Jackie Lam

A 721 credit score is in the good range, which runs from 670 to 739. You’re 19 points from reaching very good credit terrain, and you’re about 50 points above the threshold for a fair score.

While a good credit score can grant you access to credit cards and loans, you’ll likely qualify for more favorable interest rates and terms with a very good or excellent score. Read on to learn more about your 721 credit score and what doors it will unlock.

What Does a 721 Credit Score Mean?

To offer a bit of context, consumer credit cards fall between 300 to 850. Just as with a grade on an exam or life points in a video game, the higher the number, the better. A higher score reflects that you have handled debt well in the past and therefore may be creditworthy going forward. And for lenders, the lower your score, the more risky you are in their eyes.

Typically, credit score ranges are as follows:

•   Poor: 300 to 579

•   Fair: 580 to 669

•   Good: 670 to 739

•   Very Good: 740 to 799

•   Excellent: 800 to 850

Currently, the average American’s credit score is 717, so you are currently doing a bit better with your three digits than most people.

Your FICO® Score (the most popular system of credit scoring) is made up of five main elements: payment history, credit usage, length of credit history, new credit and credit mix. (Incidentally, there are many credit scoring models, and they can be used for different purposes, such as for purchasing insurance, car loans, and mortgages.)

You can get a credit report from the three major credit bureaus: Experian®, Equifax®, and TransUnion®. A credit report is a compilation of data that includes your account history with your lines of credits and loans. This typically includes collections, personal information, public records and credit inquiries.

What Else Can You Get With a 721 Credit Score?

When you have a 721 FICO score, you can usually secure a mortgage, credit card, car loan, or personal loan. That said, you will likely not be able to access as large loan amounts, favorable interest rates, and other benefits as those who have built their credit scores higher.

While a credit score is one of the primary pieces of information that creditors and lenders pore over when determining whether to offer you financing, it’s not the only criteria. They will also usually look at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio (meaning how what you owe compares to your earning power), income, and down payment (for car and home loans, that is). If it’s a secured loan, they’ll look at your collateral too.

Recommended: Secured Vs. Unsecured Personal Loans: What’s the Difference?

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 721 Credit Score?

With a 721 credit score under your belt, you’ll likely be able to choose a credit card among a variety of offers. A credit score of 670 or higher is usually needed to qualify for an unsecured credit card. Since your score is higher than that figure, you may find some attractive rewards are available. However, don’t expect to necessarily get approved for top-tier credit cards with robust benefits, like access to elite airport lounges. Premium cards are usually reserved for those with excellent credit, meaning 800 or higher (though some may accept 760 or higher).

Another thing to keep in mind: Having credit that’s in line with the minimum credit score requirements of the card issuer doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll secure that card. If you’ve had multiple credit card applications in the recent past (which can hurt your credit) or have lower income than what’s preferred, you might be denied a card.

See if you can get preapproved for a credit card online. Some card issuers also might clue you in on what interest rates and fees to expect. And if you’d like to reach for a card that requires very good or excellent credit, making on-time payments, keeping a low usage and not applying for loans or lines of credit needlessly can help you build your credit score.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 721 Credit Score?

The odds are in your favor of getting an auto loan with a 721 credit score. Per data compiled by Experian, in the second quarter of 2024, the average interest rate for someone with a credit score between 661 and 780 for a new car was 6.87% and, for a used car, 9.36%. For those with a score between 781 and 850, the interest rates fell to 5.25% and 7.13%. Curious about lower credit scores? The numbers shifted to 9.83% and 13.92% for those with scores between 601 and 660. Over the life of a loan, those variations can make a real difference in the total interest you’ll pay.

Your interest rate can also hinge on other factors like the type of car, the size of your down payment, and your DTI ratio and income.

When shopping around for a car, consider the total cost of the car, which includes the interest rate and any fees. When you drive the car off the lot, factor in gas, maintenance and repairs, monthly payments, depreciation, insurance, and title and registration fees. Per data gathered from AAA, in 2024 the average total cost to own and operate a vehicle was $12,297 or $1,024.71 each month.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 721 Credit Score?

With a good credit score in hand, you likely won’t have a problem securing a mortgage. However, the minimum credit score and financial requirements depends on the type of loan you’re in the market for:

•   Conventional home loans: The most common type of mortgage in the U.S., conventional home loans are a type of mortgage that checks off the boxes of criteria set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They usually require a minimum credit score of at least 620.

•   Jumbo loans: Jumbo loans, which are mortgages that in 2025 cover home loans that are between $806,500 to $1,209,750, depending on your location, typically require a minimum credit score of at least 700.

•   FHA loans: For an FHA loan (which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration and can therefore offer you a better deal), borrowers can usually qualify with a 580 minimum credit score. You’ll need to have a 3.5% down payment.

•   VA loans: Interestingly, loans offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) don’t have credit score requirements. That said, lenders for VA loans usually like to see a credit score of at least 620. However, if you have a credit score that falls below 620, you may still qualify, depending on other factors such as your DTI.

•   USDA loans: To qualify for these loans, which are typically for properties in rural areas bought by low- to moderate-income buyers, you need a credit score that’s at least 640. Should your score dip below that, you’ll have to provide a full credit review.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 721 Credit Score?

One key benefit of a personal loan is its flexibility. These unsecured loans, which are usually fixed-rate and with a term from one to seven years, can be used for a variety of purposes, such as:

•   Financing a vacation

•   Funding a wedding

•   Paying for a big-ticket expense, such as a home improvement project or a major dental bill

You usually need a credit score of at least 580 to qualify for a personal loan. With a 721 FICO score, there’s a strong chance you’ll get a loan with higher loan amounts, more favorable interest rates, and more flexible terms than if you have a lower credit score.

If you’re mulling over whether to fund something with a personal loan or to put it on a credit card, personal loans on average have lower interest rates. According to data from the Federal Reserve, the average 24-month interest rate for personal loans was 12.33% in August of 2024, while the average interest rate for a credit card was 21.76%.

Trying to chip away at looming credit card debt? If so, a good credit score will put you in a good place with a credit card consolidation loan. You’ll likely secure a reasonable interest rate and fairly flexible terms. You can convert one or more lines of high-interest credit into a single installment loan, usually at a significantly lower interest rate, as noted above. Personal loans can offer a lump sum of anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the lender and your qualifications.

If you aren’t sure what might be right for you, consider using an online personal loan calculator to see how different personal loan options might stack up.

Takeaway

A 721 credit score is considered good, and it’s higher than the current U.S. average credit score of 717. And while you shouldn’t have trouble landing good interest rates and flexible terms on credit cards and loans (such as home or personal loans), you may qualify for even better options if you build your score even higher.

If you need access to funds, think twice before breaking out your plastic.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Jamie Cattanach

A credit score of 598 doesn’t make the cut for good credit. Rather, it falls into the fair credit category, which means you would be considered a “subprime” borrower. It’s likely that you will pay higher interest rates than borrowers with higher credit scores, and you may also miss out on more favorable terms and perks.

Fortunately, if you have a credit score of 598, you can likely access some types of credit. You’ll also have plenty of room for improvement — and building a higher credit score is totally possible with perseverance and consistency. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does a 598 Credit Score Mean?

Credit scores are broken down into six different categories between the low end of 300 and the high end of 850. Here’s how they look according to the FICO® Score ranges:

•   300-579: Poor credit

•   580-669: Fair credit

•   670-739: Good credit

•   740-799: Very good credit

•   800 and above: Excellent or exceptional credit

The specifics of your credit score matter because those three digits reflect how well you have managed credit in the past, which predicts your ability to do so in the future. Lenders use your score to determine your creditworthiness when assessing your application for financial products like mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards.

Even if your credit score and other financial factors are good enough for you to qualify, a higher credit score can help you achieve the best possible terms and conditions for your loan, including lower interest rates.

What Else Can You Get With a 598 Credit Score?

With a credit score toward the lower end of the fair category, you may face challenges getting approved for some types of loans — or you may only qualify for loans with high interest rates, which can be a weight on your overall finances. You may want to focus on building a higher credit score which can make it easier and less expensive to access installment loans and lines of credit in the future.

That said, there are some types of financial products you may be able to qualify for with a 598 credit score and beneficial ways to use those financial products to your overall financial advantage.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 598 Credit Score?

You probably realize that life can be less convenient without a credit card. Many types of services, such as hotels and rental car companies, often require a card on file. They may place a security hold on an amount as well — which can lock up valuable funds if you’re using a debit card to make the reservation. Here’s what it takes to get a card:

•   Typically, credit card issuers look for a 670 credit score or higher among applicants for an unsecured card. But there are many credit cards on the market that are specifically designed for people with fair, poor, or even no credit at all. Major credit card issuers like MasterCard and Visa both offer options like this.

•   Secured credit cards are one good option if you’re having trouble qualifying for other types of credit cards. With a secured credit card, you’ll put down a cash deposit (which will often be the same amount as your credit limit). For example, if you secured your credit card with a $400 deposit, you’d have a $400 credit limit. If you build your credit score with on-time payments with a secured card, you may be able to move on to an unsecured credit card from the same issuer (or successfully apply for a separate one).

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 598 Credit Score?

While there’s no specific minimum credit score to successfully apply for an auto loan, most lenders look for a credit score higher than 598 (often in the higher 600s). If you do qualify for an auto loan, you may be facing a high interest rate, which means you’ll pay a lot more for your car over time (as the asset itself depreciates).

For example, as of the end of 2024, the annual percentage rate (APR) for a loan for a new car to an applicant with a credit score of 781 or higher was 5.08% while the rate for those with a score between 501 and 600 was 13.00%. That higher interest rate could make a major difference in your budget.

Because of this dynamic, it may make more sense to wait until you build your credit score before applying for a car loan. Or if you have substantial savings, you may be able to pay for a good quality used car in cash.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 598 Credit Score?

For a conventional home loan, you usually need a credit score of at least 620 to qualify, along with other factors like a low enough debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and sufficient, reliable income.

However, there are other types of mortgage loan programs, like FHA loans, which allow you to qualify with a lower credit score: 580 with a 3.5% down payment, or 500 with a down payment of 10%

Fortunately, even if you don’t meet the other eligibility criteria for an FHA loan, you’re only 22 points away from the credit score you need to qualify for most mortgages.

In addition, you might qualify for a VA or USDA mortgage, which can have more flexible requirements than conventional home loans.

Making on-time payments on all your existing debts each month can go a long way toward building your credit score. You might consider using autopay for your bills to make sure you don’t miss the due dates.

Also, paying down revolving balances can both have a positive impact on your credit history and free up extra money each month that could go toward your housing payment.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 598 Credit Score?

Personal loans are a type of unsecured loan that offers an up-front lump sum that can be used for just about any purpose you can think of. For instance, you might use a personal loan to:

•   Pay for family planning costs

•   Finance a wedding

•   Pay for a vacation

•   Take care of a major medical bill

•   Fund a home renovation project

One of the best ways to use a personal loan is to consolidate other debts, in which case it may be known as a debt consolidation loan. These allow you to transfer one or more revolving lines of credit into a single installment loan, typically at a significantly lower interest rate.

However, because personal loans aren’t secured by an asset like a house or a car, they tend to have more stringent qualification requirements than other types of loans. They often require a credit score of 660 or higher.

Fortunately, many personal loan lenders do consider and approve applicants with a fair credit score. However, you may end up with a very high interest rate — which could counteract the benefits of a personal loan for debt consolidation or another purpose, depending on your situation. Be sure to do the math ahead of time to understand how much you’ll spend over the lifetime of your loan. A personal loan calculator can help.

The Takeaway

A 598 credit score isn’t technically good; it falls into the fair category. That can make it challenging to access credit, and the options you have may carry less favorable interest rates and terms. To build a better score, making on-time monthly payments can go a long way toward improving your score, as can paying down existing debt balances before taking out more loans or lines of credit.

If you do build your score and want to investigate personal loan options, see what SoFi offers.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Ashley Kilroy

A 681 credit score falls into the good range, which runs from 670 to 739.

Think of a good credit score as your ticket to better financial opportunities. It can help you get approved for things like a car loan, a mortgage, or even a personal loan to renovate your dream kitchen. However, while a 681 credit score is considered good, it’s not in the “very good” or “exceptional” range, which may limit your access to the most competitive rates and financing terms.

Read on to dive into what a 681 credit score means when applying for a credit card, mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan.

What Does a 681 Credit Score Mean?

The higher your credit score, the more likely banks, lenders, and credit unions are to trust you. A good score reflects that you’ve managed credit responsibly in the past and are likely to do so again in the future. This, in turn, can make it easier to get loans or credit cards.

Your credit score is a three-digit number that comes from the information in your credit reports. You may actually have more than one score because there are different systems, such as FICO® vs. VantageScore, or a custom system from a lender. That’s why what one lender calls a “good” score might be different from another.

FICO Scores tend to be used by most lenders. Here’s how they break down:

•   Poor credit: 300-579

•   Fair credit: 580-669

•   Good credit: 670-739

•   Very good credit: 740-799

•   Exceptional credit: 800-850

A score of 681 probably means you have used credit responsibly but you may have had some glitches. For example, according to Experian®, 36% of people with a 681 score have a late payment (over 30 days past due) on their credit report. (As a point of reference, the average credit score in the U.S. is currently 717.)

A good credit score is enough for most lenders to approve you for an installment loan or line of credit. But keep in mind, you might not get the best rates or credit card perks that come with a higher score.

Recommended: Do You Need to Pay Taxes on Personal Loans?

What Else Can You Get with a 681 Credit Score?

Having a good credit score means there’s a strong chance you’ll qualify for a wide range of financial products like mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards. Although a 681 credit score is above average, it’s not in the highest two credit score ranges (very good and excellent). This means some lenders might not offer you the best deals, such as the lowest interest rates or top rewards for a credit card.

That said, here’s what you might expect with a credit score of 681.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 681 Credit Score?

You don’t need a specific credit score to get a credit card. Even with poor or fair credit, you can still qualify for certain cards. However, these often come with lower credit limits and higher interest rates. If your score is above 700, you’ll usually have access to an array of credit card options.

With a 681 credit score, you’ll likely have a number of credit cards to choose from, since you’ve shown you can handle credit responsibly. This could mean better interest rates, introductory offers, and rewards like airline miles you can put toward your next trip. You may also avoid paying an annual fee.

For the very best rates and rewards, though, a credit score above 740 is usually needed.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 681 Credit Score?

A 681 credit score will usually qualify you to get an auto loan. According to Experian, 67% of auto loans go to borrowers with credit scores of 661 or higher, so your score is in that range. At the end of 2024, the average credit score for a car loan for a new car was 755, and for a used car 694.

Auto lenders often work with a wide range of credit profiles, giving borrowers more options. You can explore offers from dealerships, banks, and local credit unions.

At the end of 2024, many car manufacturers were offering 0% financing deals for “well-qualified buyers.” Typically, “well-qualified” means having a very good credit score, usually between 740 and 799. With a 681 credit score, you might not qualify for these top deals, but you’ll still have other options.

Remember, if you want to find the best interest rate available to you, it’s a good idea to compare offers from multiple auto lenders. Building your credit score can also make a big difference, helping you qualify for lower rates and reducing your overall borrowing costs.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 681 Credit Score?

The credit score you need for a mortgage typically depends on the type of loan you’re applying for.

•   For a conventional loan, you usually need a credit score of at least 620, though some lenders may prefer a score of 660 or higher.

•   For a jumbo loan, lenders typically require a score of 720 or higher.

•   FHA loans require a score of at least 500 if you can make a 10% down payment. If you want to avoid a large down payment, you’ll need a minimum score of 580.

•   For USDA loans, most lenders look for a credit score of 620 or higher.

•   Among other qualifications, VA loan lenders may accept credit scores as low as 500, but others may require a score of 600 or 620.

With a 681 credit score, you meet the requirements for most mortgage programs.

However, just qualifying doesn’t mean you’ll get the best rates or terms. Lenders typically reserve their lowest interest rates and best offers for people with very good or exceptional credit scores.

Also, remember that your credit score is just one piece of the mortgage approval equation for a home loan. Lenders also consider your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income, employment history, and the size of your down payment when making their decision.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 691 Credit Score?

Personal loans can be a good way to obtain a lump sum of cash with interest rates that are typically significantly less than what you’d pay if you used a credit card. The funds can be used to finance a wedding or pay a major dental bill.

Another popular use for personal loans is consolidating credit card debt, which can turn debt that’s a line of credit into an installment loan. As you think about whether a personal loan is right for you, it’s wise to remember that most loans are unsecured, meaning you don’t need collateral to borrow against. The repayment terms are usually between one and seven years, and the amounts can range up to $50,000 or even $100,000.

Typically, you’ll need a certain credit score for a personal loan: Most lenders usually want to see 610 or higher. A score of 700 or higher, though, can unlock more favorable rates and terms. It’s worth noting, however, that each lender has its own rules, so approval isn’t guaranteed everywhere. Income, job history, current debt, and other factors may play a role. If you want to build your credit score with the goal of qualifying for better offers, practicing habits like paying your bills on time and reducing credit card balances can have a positive impact.

Recommended: How Does Debt Consolidation Work?

The Takeaway

A 681 credit score is considered a good score. It puts you in position to qualify for a variety of credit options with favorable rates and terms (though those with a very good or excellent score usually get the best offers). A 681 score should unlock such financial products as credit cards, mortgage and auto loans as well as personal loans.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Ashley Kilroy

A 790 credit score is considered good. In fact, it falls into the very good category on the popular FICO® scale, and on the VantageScore scale, it’s even better, landing in the superprime or excellent range. Having a very good or exceptional credit score means you can usually qualify for many credit products, often with most favorable interest rates and terms.

Keep reading to find out what a 790 score really means and check out the credit cards, car loans, mortgages, and personal loans that might be available to you.

What Does a 790 Credit Score Mean?

First, it’s important to understand what a credit score actually is. Think of it as a credit report card for how well you’ve managed credit so far. In other words, it tells lenders how dependable you’ve been at paying back your debts.

There are different scoring models, like FICO and VantageScore, that lenders use to decide if you qualify for things like auto loans, personal loans, and credit cards. Your credit score also plays a big role in determining the interest rates and loan terms you’re offered.

FICO Scores are the most popular choice for lenders. Here’s how they categorize the score ranges:

•   800 to 850: Excellent

•   740 to 799: Very good

•   670 to 739: Good

•   580 to 669: Fair

•   300 to 579: Poor

A 790 FICO score falls within the very good range, which usually means you’ve done a great job managing credit and paying your bills on time. If there are any issues on your report, they’re probably small, like one missed payment, and happened a long time ago. For example, only about 15% of people with a 790 score have a missed payment that appears on their report, according to Experian®.

A very good credit score means banks and lenders see you as a top customer and often provide better lending options and terms. In addition, it’s worth noting that a credit score of 790 is considerably higher than the current national average credit score of 717.

What Else Can You Get With a 790 Credit Score?

If you are curious about what a 790 credit score can get you, you’re probably wondering about credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, or personal loans. A 790 FICO score puts you in a great position for financing approval, but it’s worth noting that your credit score is just one of several factors lenders consider when deciding on approval, interest rates, terms, and perks like credit card rewards.

Lenders also look at things like your employment history, income, and the balance you carry on revolving debt compared to how much money you bring in — which is known as your debt-to-income ratio. These factors give lenders a fuller picture of your creditworthiness.

Can I Get a Credit Card With a 790 Credit Score?

With a 790 credit score, you’ll likely qualify for most credit cards. The options available may include credit cards with cash back rewards, more favorable annual percentage rates (APRs), and other attractive benefits.

However, the lowest APRs and premium perks, like free checked bags on flights, travel insurance, or higher points-earning rates, are often reserved for folks with credit scores at or above 800.

For example, black credit cards, which can offer entry to luxe airport lounges and similar rewards, may only be available (sometimes exclusively by invitation) to those with the highest credit scores.

That said, your solid credit score can still open the door to plenty of great credit card options. Make sure to explore the different cards available to find one that fits your spending habits and needs.

Can I Get an Auto Loan With a 790 Credit Score?

A 790 credit score gives you a solid advantage when applying for an auto loan. According to Experian, the average credit score for financing a car is 717, so with a 790 score, you’re well above average. Lenders use your credit score to determine how likely you are to repay the loan. A higher score tells lenders you’re less of a risk, which can result in better interest rates for car loans and top-notch terms.

It’s also worth pointing out that lenders consider other factors, like your income, down payment, loan terms, and whether you’re buying a new or used car. New cars often come with lower rates because car manufacturers and banks compete to attract buyers, and there likely aren’t condition or wear-and-tear issues for the vehicle. On the other hand, used cars usually have higher rates since lenders don’t have the same incentives to lower them and the cars may be less reliable.

Can I Get a Mortgage With a 790 Credit Score?

It’s possible to qualify for a mortgage with a 790 credit score. You may even qualify for loans with highly competitive rates. In addition, a jumbo loan, which is larger than a typical conventional loan, may be within reach since the minimum credit score requirement is typically 700.

Keep in mind, though, that credit score requirements vary depending on the type of mortgage you’re applying for. For conventional loans and VA loans, you usually need a credit score of 620 or higher, while FHA loans require at least a 580 credit score to qualify.

That said, meeting the credit score requirement is just one part of the mortgage approval process. Lenders will also consider other factors, like how much you’re putting down on the home, your total debt, your income, and more. They do this to ensure you can afford the monthly payments and are less likely to default on the loan.

Can I Get a Personal Loan With a 790 Credit Score?

Personal loans are typically flexible unsecured loans that allow you to access a lump sum of cash for almost any purpose. For instance, you might use the money to pay off a large, unexpected medical bill or to finance a vacation.

One popular use for a personal loan is consolidating credit card debt. This can allow you to combine multiple high-interest credit lines into a convenient single installment loan. The interest rate is typically significantly lower on these loans than on credit cards. Expect to have a fixed rate and a term of one to seven years in most cases.

There’s no magic number needed in terms of credit scores when applying for a personal loan. That said, typically, if you have a credit score of at least 610, it improves your chances of qualifying, and a score in the 700s can help you secure better rates. With a 790 credit score, you’re in a strong position to get competitive rates and terms.

Remember that the higher your credit score, the less interest you may pay, which can save you money over the life of the loan. You can use a personal loan calculator to run the numbers and compare options.

The Takeaway

When it comes to mortgages, auto loans, personal loans, and even credit cards, a 790 credit score is likely to help you qualify for a line of credit or loan. While there’s always room for improvement, you’re already in a good position to secure competitive rates and perks. Just remember, your credit score isn’t the only thing lenders consider when approving your loan, so review all other requirements before moving forward.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.

By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

Located in Waco, Texas, Baylor University is known for its high-caliber education and Christian values. Baylor University tuition is $54,844 a year (based on 2023-24 numbers). In comparison, the average tuition for four-year private nonprofit institutions is $41,540.

Financial Aid

Almost all Baylor students (98%) receive some sort of financial aid, including student loans, grants, or scholarships. Baylor is “need-aware,” which means the school may consider a student’s ability to pay in the application process.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need and merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books and supplies, and other living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, financial aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for a grant from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

While 39% of Baylor students take out federal student loans, 16% take out private student loans. The average private loan to help with Baylor tuition is $28,566 per year.

Private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for as it generally may have better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The total costs of attending Baylor for four years would be $297,076, based on 2023-24 pricing. The average cost for private schools is $241,680 for four years, according to CollegeData.com.

Here’s some Texas Student Loan & Scholarship Information for you.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

In 2023-24, students paid $54,844 for Baylor tuition and $1,438 for books and supplies, for a total of $56,282. This is higher than the average amount for private four-year universities in the U.S. of $42,790.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Baylor offers a variety of graduate degrees. The cost of tuition for graduate school in 2023-24 averaged $41,130, which is higher than the national average of $21,730 for one academic year. There are graduate loans available to help with these costs and additional personal expenses for school.

Cost per Credit Hour

Students that opt to attend Baylor for 11 hours or less per semester can pay $2,421 per credit hour rather than pay full-time tuition.

Campus Housing Expenses

First-year students at Baylor University are required to live in one of 19 residence halls. There are also Living-Learning Centers, which are communities organized around specific academic programs, and Residential Colleges, faculty-led communities focused on academic excellence.

Students can also opt to live off-campus in apartments, duplexes, rooms, or houses. For information about off-campus housing options, this resource can help.

Baylor University Acceptance Rate

When it comes to the Baylor acceptance rate, more than half of all students who apply are accepted.

Admission Requirements

To get accepted to Baylor, there are certain requirements and some additional recommendations.

Required:

•  Secondary school record

•  Secondary school GPA

Recommended:

•  Completion of college-preparatory program

•  Letters of recommendation

•  Admission test scores

The deadline for Early Decision 1 and Early Action is November 1. Students committing to attending Baylor if accepted will receive a decision by December 15, and the Early Action applicants will receive a decision by February 1. The deadline for Regular Admission is February 1, with a decision by April 10. You can apply to Baylor here .

SAT and ACT Scores

Baylor University is a test-optional school, meaning that students are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores.

Popular Majors at Baylor University

Baylor offers more than 125 majors and minors. The school also has a wealth of resources to help graduates find jobs. Here are the most popular majors on campus.

1. Registered Nursing

Students earning a degree in nursing have the opportunity to get firsthand experience at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, a renowned teaching and research hospital. The nursing program includes courses in anatomy and physiology, critical care, oncology, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 362

2. Biology

If you opt for the biology program at Baylor, you can choose one of four concentrations: integrative biology, global health biology, science education, and cell and molecular biology.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 233

3. Marketing

Marketing students learn how to promote, price, and place a product, and can choose an emphasis on sports, strategy, and sales, or nonprofit and social enterprise marketing. Or they can create their own marketing emphasis.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 201

4. Psychology

Students can earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Baylor. Coursework includes topics like behavior, personality, interpersonal relationships, and the individual and collective unconscious.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 146

5. Accounting

Accounting students at Baylor are given a strong base in financial accounting, then taught how to communicate, think critically, and work with a team. Courses cover auditing, tax planning, fraud, and international taxation.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 146

6. Finance

Finance-minded students have the opportunity to focus on corporate finance or investments and can take courses in stock market operations, international business finance, short-term financial management, and private equity investing.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 144

7. Communication

Baylor’s communication program has four tracks students can choose from: corporate communication, rhetoric and public discourse, generalist, and honors. Students will learn how to apply communication skills to a variety of professions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 137

8. Communication Sciences & Disorders

The communication sciences and disorders major trains students to identify and treat communication and speech disorders. Coursework covers language development, phonological science, speech science, articulation, and aural rehabilitation.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 99

9. Management Information Systems

Students of the management information systems program will study advanced business networking, systems analysis and design, cybersecurity, data warehousing, and advanced databases.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 93

10. Political Science

By choosing Baylor’s political science program, you’ll learn about everything from American political history and institutions to global political change. You can also opt to take courses in minority and ethnic group politics, campaigns and elections, and urban political processes.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 91

Learn more about Baylor’s majors and minors here .

Graduation Rate

Wondering how many students graduate from Baylor? The percentage of students who started in 2017 and graduated in six years is 80%.

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Upon graduating, Baylor students earn on average $66,000 per year. This is on par with the national average starting salary for the class of 2024 of $68,516.