Students at Wayland Baptist University consistently earn more than expected given their backgrounds, with graduates achieving about $10,800 in additional earnings compared with similar students elsewhere.
This earnings advantage, combined with a perfect loan repayment record, demonstrates the university's ability to deliver meaningful value despite modest absolute outcomes.
Wayland Baptist University is a private Christian institution in Plainview, Texas, that serves students seeking a faith-centered education in a small-town setting. While the university doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for earnings outcomes, it offers a distinctive value proposition through its close-knit community, personal attention from faculty, and commitment to developing students both academically and spiritually. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants and about 45% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's mission to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Graduates earn a median of $51,838 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution in the lower tier nationally for earnings outcomes. However, the university demonstrates a meaningful commitment to helping students exceed expectations, with graduates earning about $10,827 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage suggests that while absolute outcomes may be modest, the university adds genuine value to student trajectories.
As a medium-sized private institution, Wayland Baptist offers the intimacy of a small college with sufficient resources and program diversity to support student success. The university's focus on business administration, general studies, and professional programs like corrections administration reflects its practical approach to preparing students for stable career paths in Texas and the broader Southwest region.
Wayland Baptist University's program portfolio reflects a practical focus on professional preparation and accessible career pathways. Business Administration and Management dominates the landscape with 333 graduates annually, representing the university's largest and most economically successful program. These business graduates earn median salaries of $44,021, making this major both the most popular choice and the strongest contributor to overall institutional outcomes.
General Studies serves as the second-largest program with 205 graduates, offering flexibility for students who need broad-based preparation or are exploring career options. While earnings are more modest at $35,060, this program provides important access for students who might struggle in more specialized tracks. Corrections Administration represents a smaller but focused professional program, graduating 75 students annually with earnings of $27,488, reflecting the university's commitment to serving regional workforce needs.
The concentration in business and general studies creates a program mix that prioritizes accessibility and practical skills over high-earning technical specializations. This approach aligns with the university's mission to serve first-generation and low-income students who benefit from clear pathways to stable employment. While the program portfolio may limit absolute earning potential, it provides students with foundational skills that translate into steady career opportunities across various industries in Texas and the Southwest.
Wayland Baptist University graduates achieve modest but meaningful earnings outcomes, with a median income of $51,838 ten years after enrollment. While this places the university below national averages for long-term earnings, graduates consistently outperform expectations by earning about $10,827 more than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage demonstrates that the university effectively supports student success despite serving a population that faces greater economic challenges.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's business programs, which represent the largest and most successful pathway for graduates. Business Administration and Management produces 333 graduates annually with median earnings of $44,021, making it both the most popular major and the program with the highest aggregate economic impact. General Studies, the second-largest program with 205 graduates, leads to more modest earnings around $35,060, while specialized programs like Corrections Administration serve smaller cohorts with earnings of $27,488.
The university's program portfolio reflects a practical focus on professional preparation rather than high-earning technical fields. While this limits absolute earning potential compared to institutions with strong engineering or technology programs, it provides students with accessible pathways to stable middle-class careers. The concentration in business and general studies creates opportunities for students to build foundational skills that can be applied across various industries, particularly in the regional economy of West Texas.
Wayland Baptist University maintains relatively affordable net prices across income levels, though costs vary significantly by family income. Low-income students pay about $18,610 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $20,654, and higher-income families pay approximately $23,518. These prices reflect the university's commitment to making private education accessible, though they still represent a substantial investment for most families.
The university's financial aid approach helps manage upfront costs, but students typically graduate with meaningful debt levels. Federal student loan debt averages $23,106, which is substantial relative to typical graduate earnings. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,441, indicating that many families supplement student aid with additional borrowing to cover educational expenses. Despite these debt levels, the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their repayment obligations successfully.
What makes the debt manageable is the university's track record of helping students complete their degrees and find employment. While earnings may be modest compared to other institutions, the combination of degree completion and stable employment allows most graduates to service their educational debt. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented programs helps ensure that students can translate their education into steady income streams that support loan repayment over time.
Wayland Baptist University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
