What Happened to Baylor University?

Baylor University, founded in 1845 by the Republic of Texas, is the oldest continually operating university in Texas and remains affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas. For much of its history, Baylor was known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and competitive athletics, particularly in the Big 12 Conference. However, the university faced a profound crisis in the mid-2010s when a widespread sexual assault scandal came to light, revealing systemic failures in how the institution, particularly its athletic department, handled allegations of sexual and interpersonal violence.

The scandal, which gained significant public attention in 2015 and 2016, involved numerous sexual and non-sexual assaults by Baylor students, predominantly football players, and allegations that school officials actively concealed these incidents. A key turning point was the 2016 release of findings from an investigation by the Pepper Hamilton law firm, which detailed how university leadership, including then-President Ken Starr and Head Football Coach Art Briles, failed to adequately respond to assault accusations. This led to the removal of Starr as president and Briles's termination, along with other significant leadership changes and a tarnished institutional reputation.

In the aftermath, Baylor committed to extensive reforms, implementing 105 recommendations aimed at improving Title IX compliance, victim support, and campus safety protocols. The university also faced and settled multiple lawsuits related to the scandal, including a significant federal lawsuit brought by 15 women in September 2023. Despite the challenges, Baylor has focused on rebuilding trust and strengthening its institutional integrity under the leadership of President Linda A. Livingstone, who took office in 2017.

As of September 2026, Baylor University has demonstrated significant progress and growth. It achieved the prestigious R1 classification for "very high research activity" by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education in December 2021, a long-pursued goal that solidifies its standing as a top-tier research institution with a distinct Christian mission. The university's strategic plan, "Baylor in Deeds" (2024-present), continues to guide its development.

Financially, Baylor has seen remarkable success, reporting its highest fundraising year ever in fiscal year 2026, with a record-breaking $244.5 million raised. The university's endowment reached an all-time high of approximately $2.6 billion in June 2026, distributing $101 million in scholarships, professorships, and other initiatives during FY26. Academically, Baylor continues to be recognized, with U.S. News & World Report's 2027 Best Colleges rankings placing it at No. 90 nationally among all universities and No. 48 among private institutions. It also received high marks for Learning Communities (No. 3), First-Year Experiences (No. 9), Undergraduate Teaching (No. 25), and Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects (No. 36).

Enrollment for Fall 2026 stood at 19,748 students, with a freshman class of 3,340. Baylor also achieved a record four-year graduation rate of 77.5% in 2026, reflecting its commitment to student success and affordability. In athletics, all 19 programs achieved a GPA above 3.0 for the first time in school history in Spring 2026, with a departmental term GPA of 3.45. The university has also been recognized as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution for the fourth consecutive year in 2026, ranking No. 10 nationally and No. 1 in Texas. Baylor was also named an Honor Roll institution in the "Great Colleges to Work For" program for the 15th time and ninth year in a row in September 2026.