Wayland Baptist University, Plainview campus
Plainview, Texas, United States of America
Founded in 1908, Wayland Baptist University (WBU) is a private, faith-based institution headquartered on an 80-acre residential campus in Plainview, Texas. It is the oldest university in continuous existence on the High Plains of Texas.
Campus & Academic Structure
- Multiple Campuses: While based in Plainview, WBU operates as a global system with 13 campuses across six states (including Texas, Arizona, Hawaii, and Alaska) and international locations like Kenya.
- Student Body: The Plainview campus hosts approximately 1,100 students, while the entire university system serves nearly 4,000 students, including a large population of working adults and military personnel.
- Academic Programs: WBU offers over 65 degree options at the associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral levels. Popular fields include Business, Education, Nursing, and Criminal Justice.
- Faculty: The university maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, emphasizing small class sizes and personal mentorship from faculty.
Admissions & Financials
- Selectivity: WBU has an acceptance rate of approximately 54% and utilizes a test-blind admissions policy.
- Cost: Tuition and fees for the 2025-2026 academic year are roughly $23,902.
- Financial Aid: Over 95% of full-time students receive some form of financial assistance through the WBU Financial Aid Office.
Athletics & Student Life
- Mascot: The Pioneers.
- NAIA Division I: WBU is a member of the Sooner Athletic Conference.
- Notable Sports: The Hutcherson Flying Queens women's basketball team holds the record for the most wins in women's collegiate basketball history. WBU was also the first Texas university to offer intercollegiate wrestling.
- Culture: The environment is distinctively Christian, with mandatory weekly chapel for residential students and a focus on spiritual growth.