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Head-to-head comparison

Baylor University vs Saint Edward's University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Waco TX · vs · Private nonprofit, Austin TX

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Waco, TX

Baylor University

Net price / year
$41,104
Earnings, 10 years
$65,793
Payback
9.4 yrs

Option B Austin, TX

Saint Edward's University

Net price / year
$25,578
Earnings, 10 years
$58,826
Payback
9.8 yrs
The verdict

Baylor University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $164,416 in 9.4 years versus 9.8 years at Saint Edward's University, on median earnings of $65,793 vs $58,826 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBaylor UniversitySaint Edward's University
Net price / yr$41,104$25,578
Total net cost$164,416$102,312
Median earnings, 10 yrs$65,793$58,826
Median debt$23,000$24,803
Payback9.4 yrs9.8 yrs
20-year net return$184,244$107,008

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Saint Edward's University?

Saint Edward's University, at $25,578 a year after aid versus $41,104 — a gap of $15,526 a year, or $62,104 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Baylor University or Saint Edward's University graduates earn more?

Baylor University graduates report a median $65,793 ten years after entry, $6,967 more than the $58,826 at Saint Edward's University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Baylor University or Saint Edward's University?

Baylor University: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $24,803 at Saint Edward's University, a difference of $1,803. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

80% of students finish at Baylor University, against 63% at Saint Edward's University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Baylor University vs Saint Edward's University: frequently asked questions

Is Baylor University or Saint Edward's University a better value?
Baylor University. It clears its $164,416 net cost in about 9.4 years versus 9.8 years at Saint Edward's University, on median earnings of $65,793 vs $58,826 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Baylor University or Saint Edward's University?
Saint Edward's University: $25,578/yr net price after aid versus $41,104/yr at Baylor University — a difference of $15,526 a year, or about $62,104 over four years.
Do Baylor University or Saint Edward's University graduates earn more?
Baylor University graduates earn a median $65,793 ten years after entry, versus $58,826 at Saint Edward's University — a $6,967 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.