Baylor Tuition Is Rising — Here's How to Save on Housing
If you've been keeping up with Baylor news this semester, you already know: the Board of Regents approved a 6.5% tuition increase for 2026-27, pushing the sticker price from $63,620 to $67,756. That's an extra $4,136 per year — and a 44.53% increase over the past decade. For students like Fort Worth junior Summer Leiter, who's paying her own way, the reaction was immediate: "I might have to get a second job." When every dollar matters more than ever, your housing choice becomes one of the biggest levers you can pull to keep your total cost of attendance in check.
The Numbers: What Baylor Actually Costs in 2026-27
Let's lay it out. Baylor's total cost of attendance for 2026-27 breaks down roughly like this:
- Tuition and fees: $67,756
- On-campus room and board: $16,638 ($9,594 for housing + $7,044 for a meal plan)
- Books, personal expenses, transportation: varies
That's over $84,000 before you factor in personal spending. And while more than 90% of Baylor students receive some form of financial aid — bringing the average net tuition increase down to about $1,978 per year — the out-of-pocket reality still hits hard for many families. Since 2021 alone, tuition has climbed $13,388. The university has responded by allocating an additional $3.8 million in scholarship funding for returning students with demonstrated financial hardship, but that doesn't cover everyone.
Here's where it gets interesting: that $16,638 for on-campus room and board is a fixed cost you can directly eliminate by moving off-campus. Unlike tuition, which you have zero control over, housing is a decision that's entirely in your hands.
Why Off-Campus Housing Is Your Biggest Savings Opportunity
Waco's rental market is working in your favor right now. Average rents have actually dropped 1.67% year-over-year to $1,341/month, and the median sits even lower at $1,080. Compare that to the national average of $1,637 — Waco rents are 36% cheaper than the rest of the country.
Here's a quick comparison for two students splitting a 2BR apartment vs. living on campus:
| On-Campus (Annual) | Off-Campus 2BR (Annual, Split) | |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $9,594 | ~$7,788 ($649/mo each) |
| Meal plan | $7,044 | ~$3,600 (cooking + dining out) |
| Internet | Included | Included at Centre |
| Laundry | Shared/coin-op | In-unit W/D at Centre |
| Parking | $300-$600/yr | Included at Centre |
| Total | ~$16,638+ | ~$11,388+ |
That's roughly $5,000+ back in your pocket every year — money that could cover textbooks, reduce your loan burden, or mean one fewer shift at work each week. Over three years of off-campus living (sophomore through senior year), that's $15,000 or more in savings.
What's Driving Waco Rents Down?
Baylor's student population has grown about 23% over the past decade, which initially drove rents up. But new apartment developments in the area are now catching up with demand. As Baylor economics professor Dr. James West puts it: "As new stock is added, it does tend to drive existing rents down." That means students who shop smart have real negotiating power right now — especially at established communities competing for residents against newer builds.
About 40% of all Waco rentals fall in the $1,001-$1,500 range, which is the sweet spot for students splitting a two- or three-bedroom apartment. A two-bedroom floor plan split between roommates, or a three-bedroom split three ways, can bring your monthly housing cost well below what you'd pay in the dorms — and you get your own bedroom, a full kitchen, and actual privacy.
Hidden Fees: The Silent Budget Killer
Not all off-campus apartments are created equal when it comes to total cost. Some complexes near Baylor advertise low base rent but then stack on extras:
- "Technology packages" — $75-$100/month for internet you didn't choose
- Premium parking — $50-$100/month for a guaranteed spot
- Valet trash — $25-$35/month whether you use it or not
- Amenity fees — monthly charges for a pool or gym you rarely visit
These add-ons can inflate your actual rent by $200-$300/month beyond the advertised price. Before signing anything, ask for the total monthly out-of-pocket cost, not just the base rent. Read our guide on what to ask before signing a lease so you're not caught off-guard by fees that weren't in the listing.
At Centre, we keep it straightforward. Rent includes high-speed internet, in-unit washer and dryer, and parking — no surprise line items on your statement. The only additional monthly fees are standard trash, pest control, and facilities fees that every resident shares equally.
Smart Moves to Stretch Your Housing Budget Further
1. Split a Larger Unit
A two-bedroom townhouse or three-bedroom apartment almost always costs less per person than a one-bedroom or studio. The math is simple: more roommates, lower individual rent. Check out our tips on finding a roommate at Baylor if you don't have someone lined up yet.
2. Ditch the Meal Plan
On-campus meal plans run $7,044/year at Baylor. Even if you eat out a few times a week, most students spend $300-$400/month on food when they have a real kitchen to cook in. That's $3,600-$4,800/year — a savings of $2,000+ over the mandatory meal plan. Plus, you can explore Waco's restaurant scene on your own terms. Check out our list of the best restaurants near campus for ideas that won't break the bank.
3. Walk or Bike to Campus
Living within walking distance of Baylor eliminates the need for a campus parking permit and cuts your gas budget significantly. Waco gas averages $2.15-$2.60/gallon, but walking costs nothing. Centre is located at 1901 S 11th Street — close enough to walk to class and skip the parking headache entirely.
4. Look for Included Amenities
Internet, laundry, and parking are the three biggest "hidden" costs in student housing. An apartment that includes all three at a slightly higher base rent often costs less overall than a cheaper unit where you're paying $80/month for internet, $3/load for laundry, and $75/month for parking. Do the real math before comparing listings — the cheapest advertised rent is almost never the cheapest total cost.
5. Start Your Search Early
The best-value apartments near Baylor fill months before the fall semester starts. If you're a freshman planning to move off-campus sophomore year, start looking in October or November. Read our full guide to moving off-campus for a step-by-step timeline so you don't end up scrambling in May.
The Bottom Line: You Can't Control Tuition, But You Can Control Housing
Baylor's tuition has increased $13,388 since 2021 alone. That's not something any individual student can change. But where you live, what's included in your rent, and how you structure your monthly budget — those are decisions entirely within your control.
Waco remains one of the most affordable college towns in the country, with a cost of living that's 14% below the national average and housing costs 22% cheaper than the U.S. as a whole. Taking advantage of that affordability is one of the smartest financial moves you can make during your time at Baylor.
Ready to See What You Could Save?
Browse our floor plans to compare layouts and pricing, or schedule a tour to see the renovated apartment homes, gated community, and included amenities for yourself. When you're ready, our online application takes about 15 minutes — and you can start it from your phone.