Baylor University vs Saint Edward's University: which has better ROI?
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.)
| Measure | Baylor University | Saint 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 |
| Payback | 9.4 yrs | 9.8 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $184,244 | $107,008 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
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.
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.
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.
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.