Wayland Baptist University

Wayland Baptist University, located in Plainview, Texas, is a private institution established in 1908. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and offers a diverse range of academic programs in a Christian environment. The university emphasizes a holistic approach to education, integrating spiritual, academic, and social development for its approximately 4,000 students across all campuses, with about 1,100 enrolled at the main Plainview campus.

Academics

Wayland Baptist University offers a wide variety of associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees across nine schools, including the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences, School of Business, School of Christian Studies, School of Education, School of Creative Arts, School of Humanities and Leadership, School of Mathematics and Sciences, and School of Nursing. The university maintains a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, fostering a learning-focused environment with personalized attention. Notable programs include business administration, English, theological studies, criminal justice, education, and nursing. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

International Students

Wayland Baptist University welcomes international students, who comprise roughly 4% of its student body, representing over 100 countries. The university provides various support services, including academic advising, social and immigration support, and spiritual guidance. English proficiency is required for admission, with accepted tests including TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test. While federal financial aid is not available for international students, Wayland offers institutional scholarships, such as the Terra Scholarship, to eligible individuals.

Campus & Location

The main campus of Wayland Baptist University is situated on approximately 80 acres in Plainview, Texas. Plainview offers a small-town atmosphere, which some students find conducive to focusing on academics and sports. On-campus housing is generally required for unmarried students enrolled for 7 or more hours, with several dorm options available. While the town itself may have limited attractions, the campus provides a range of student activities, clubs, athletic events, and intramural programs.

Career Outcomes

Wayland Baptist University focuses on preparing graduates for professional success, with a strategic plan emphasizing niche academic programs leading directly to employment. The university's career services assist students and alumni with job and internship searches through an online portal. Graduates in fields like Criminal Justice and Corrections tend to have higher average earnings, around $55,876 annually, while Business Administration graduates average approximately $49,879. The School of Business also collaborates with the Plainview/Hale County Economic Development Corp. on the "NexGen Spark" program, which helps local entrepreneurs develop business models and provides students with valuable entrepreneurial experiences.