Acceptance Rate
96%
Avg. SAT
1200
75th percentile
“A tight-knit Christian university in Belton, Texas, blending faith with practical education since 1845.”
Belton, TX
Location
Midsize Suburb
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Belton, Texas, the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) carries a legacy as one of the oldest higher education institutions in the state, founded in 1845 by the Republic of Texas as a Baptist women’s college. Over the decades, it evolved into a coeducational university, maintaining its deep-rooted Christian values while expanding its academic reach. Today, UMHB stands as a private institution with a clear mission: to prepare students for leadership and service through a faith-based lens, which shapes everything from classroom discussions to campus events.
If you’re a student who values a close community and appreciates guidance rooted in Christian principles, you’ll likely feel at home here. UMHB attracts those who seek a supportive environment where professors know your name and peers share a sense of purpose. However, if you’re looking for a secular or highly diverse ideological setting, the strong religious focus might feel limiting, as faith is woven into daily life and academics.
Belton itself, a small city of about 23,000, offers a quiet, slower-paced backdrop to campus life, with easy access to larger hubs like Austin or Waco for weekend escapes. The surrounding area is quintessential Central Texas—think rolling hills, hot summers, and a friendly, down-to-earth vibe. One tradeoff is the limited urban amenities right outside campus; if you crave constant city energy or a bustling nightlife, Belton’s small-town charm might not fully satisfy.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
At UMHB, academics are grounded in a liberal arts foundation with a strong emphasis on professional preparation, particularly in fields like nursing, education, and business. The university is especially known for its nursing program, which has a reputation for producing skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals through hands-on clinical experiences in nearby facilities. You can expect a curriculum that often integrates ethical and faith-based perspectives, encouraging you to think about how your career aligns with service to others.
Class sizes tend to be small, fostering personal connections with faculty who prioritize mentorship over pure research output. This means you’ll likely get individualized attention, but it also comes with a tradeoff: fewer cutting-edge research opportunities compared to larger universities. Some popular programs, like nursing, can be competitive to enter or progress through due to high demand and rigorous standards, so staying on top of your academics is key.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
2,803 undergrad • 518 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
52%
Black / African American
13%
Hispanic / Latino
26%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
7%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Belton, TX
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at UMHB revolves around community and tradition, with a strong sense of family among its roughly 4,000 students. You’ll find a calendar packed with events like the annual Easter Pageant, a student-led production depicting the life of Christ, which draws visitors from across Texas. Socially, the vibe is welcoming but structured—think organized activities, chapel services, and a focus on wholesome fun rather than a heavy party scene. If you’re into Greek life, it’s present but not dominant, with more emphasis on service-oriented groups.
Living on campus is a big part of the experience, as most students stay in residence halls that encourage close bonds, though housing can fill up quickly for upperclassmen, pushing some to seek off-campus options in Belton. The Texas weather—scorching summers and mild winters—means outdoor activities are popular, but you’ll need to brace for heat waves. While the cost of living in Belton is more affordable than in big cities, the social scene can feel insular if you don’t connect with the faith-driven culture.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
American Southwest Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$27,949
$30K – $48K
$27,725
$48K – $75K
$27,819
$75K – $110K
$30,428
$110K+
$33,727
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
62%
4 Years Graduation Rate
50%
6 Years Graduation Rate
62%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$56,132
62% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and return in the fall. 50% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 62% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
50%
4-5 years
12%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
37%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$27,440
Acceptance
96%
Undergrads
2,803
4-Year Grad Rate
50%
Endowment
$116M
Belton, TX 76513-2599
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