Colleges and Universities in Waco, TX: The Complete Guide
If you're researching higher education in Waco, Texas, you may be surprised by how many options exist beyond Baylor University. The city is home to a nationally-ranked private research institution, a large community college with one of the most generous tuition programs in the state, and a regional technical college with over 100 workforce programs. Here's a practical breakdown of every college in Waco — who each school serves, what they cost, and where students live.
Baylor University: Waco's Flagship Private Research University
Baylor is the largest and most visible of Waco's colleges. Founded in 1845, it's the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, and it ranks among the Top 75 National Universities according to U.S. News & World Report (2025). It's also the school most students are asking about when they search "colleges in waco texas" — because Baylor's academic reputation and campus presence define Waco's identity as a college town.
Key facts:
- Type: Private, Baptist-affiliated research university
- Undergraduate enrollment: ~15,155 students
- Total enrollment: ~21,000 students (including graduate and professional)
- Location: 1 Bear Place, Waco, TX 76798
- 2026-27 tuition and fees: $67,756
Baylor has 12 undergraduate colleges and schools. The Hankamer School of Business consistently ranks among the top Christian business programs in the nation. Nursing, Engineering, and Computer Science draw strong pre-professional pipelines. The law school sits on campus, which is unusual — students can complete undergrad and law degrees without leaving Waco.
Tuition has risen 44.53% over the past decade, but most admitted students receive merit or need-based aid. The average financial aid package runs $30,000-$35,000/year.
Housing at Baylor
Almost all freshmen are required to live on campus. Baylor operates more than a dozen residence halls ranging from traditional dorms to apartment-style communities. Room rates for 2026-27 run $2,850 to $6,140 per semester, depending on hall and room type — before adding a required meal plan ($2,000-$3,000/semester).
Starting sophomore year, most Baylor students move off campus. Many look for gated apartment communities within walking distance of campus to avoid parking permit fees and commute time. For a complete picture of what that transition looks like financially, see our Baylor off-campus housing cost guide or the full Baylor on-campus housing guide.
Centre Apartments (1901 S 11th Street) is a gated community that's a 10-minute walk from Baylor's academic core. Every unit includes high-speed internet, in-unit washer/dryer, and parking — amenities that are billed separately at most complexes near campus. If you're a current or incoming Baylor student planning your sophomore move, explore the floor plan options.
McLennan Community College: Waco's Affordable Two-Year Option
McLennan Community College — almost universally called MCC Waco — is the city's public two-year community college. With over 7,200 credit students and more than 140 degree and certificate programs, it's a major part of Waco's higher education landscape that often gets overlooked by students focused entirely on Baylor.
Key facts:
- Type: Public, two-year community college
- Enrollment: ~7,200 to 7,850 students
- Location: 1400 College Dr, Waco, TX 76708
- In-district tuition: ~$55/credit hour (approximately $4,200/year)
- FAST program: Eliminates tuition and fees for eligible students
- Housing: No on-campus residence halls — primarily commuter
The FAST (Free Applications, Support, and Tuition) program is one of the most significant offerings at MCC. Eligible students — including recent high school graduates who meet income and enrollment criteria — can attend MCC tuition-free. For students weighing the full cost of a college degree, this is worth researching before committing to any four-year institution.
MCC offers 66 fully online programs alongside in-person instruction, making it accessible for students balancing work, family, or other obligations.
Transfer Pathway from MCC to Baylor
A formal articulation agreement between MCC and Baylor University allows many credits to transfer directly toward a Baylor degree. Completing an Associate of Arts at MCC — especially with FAST program support — before transferring is a cost-effective strategy for students who ultimately want a Baylor degree. The tuition difference between MCC's in-district rate and Baylor's $67,756/year makes the math compelling even before financial aid enters the picture.
Because MCC has no residence halls, students living near campus tend to search the south Waco and Baylor-area apartment market, which overlaps with housing popular among Baylor students. The South Waco corridor along S. 11th Street and Valley Mills Drive offers the densest concentration of apartments within a reasonable drive of MCC's College Drive campus.
Texas State Technical College Waco: Workforce Training at Scale
TSTC Waco is a specialized technical and vocational institution focused almost entirely on training students for direct employment in skilled trades and technical fields. It's a different type of school than Baylor or MCC — its purpose is workforce development, not transfer preparation or liberal arts education.
Key facts:
- Type: Public, two-year technical college
- Enrollment: ~12,077 students (one of the largest technical colleges in the region)
- Location: 3801 Campus Dr, Waco, TX 76705 (northwest Waco)
- In-state tuition: ~$7,192/year
- Housing: Limited on-campus options available
TSTC offers more than 100 associate degree programs in fields including welding technology, electrical power transmission, registered nursing, agricultural technology, transportation and aviation, and advanced manufacturing. The college has expanded its Advanced Manufacturing programs for Fall 2026.
TSTC's campus is in northwest Waco — farther from the Baylor and MCC corridors — so students enrolled here typically look for housing near the Campus Drive area or commute from surrounding communities. It's worth noting that TSTC has an open admissions policy and is free to apply.
Other Colleges Near Waco
While Baylor, MCC, and TSTC are Waco's three primary institutions, students exploring the broader region should know about two additional options:
Texas A&M University-Central Texas (Killeen, TX — ~70 miles from Waco): A 4-year public university focused primarily on serving working adults, military students, and non-traditional learners. Many students attend part-time while living in Central Texas.
Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX — ~55 miles from Waco): A Texas A&M System school with over 1,000 students enrolled in programs covering education, agriculture, and criminal justice. Tarleton also has extended education centers across the region.
How the Waco Colleges Compare at a Glance
| School | Type | Enrollment | Location | Annual Tuition | On-Campus Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baylor University | Private 4-year | ~21,000 | S. University Parks Dr | $67,756 | Yes (required for freshmen) |
| McLennan CC (MCC) | Public 2-year | ~7,500 | College Dr | ~$4,200 (FAST: $0) | No |
| TSTC Waco | Public technical | ~12,077 | Campus Dr (NW Waco) | ~$7,192 | Limited |
Where Baylor Students Live After Freshman Year
Once the freshman residency requirement is satisfied, most Baylor students leave campus and start comparing off-campus apartments near Baylor. The most in-demand locations are gated communities within walking distance — places where you can skip the parking permit ($25-$75/month) and get to an 8am class without driving.
For a full breakdown of every Baylor residence hall and why most students move off campus starting sophomore year, see our every Baylor dorm ranked guide. If you're already at that stage and comparing complexes, visit our neighborhood page to see what living at Centre Apartments looks like on South 11th Street — a few blocks from where Baylor's campus meets South Waco.
Understanding all the colleges in Waco helps put Baylor's housing decisions in context: the south Waco apartment corridor serves Baylor students almost exclusively, while MCC and TSTC students tend to look further afield based on campus proximity. If you're a Baylor student ready to see your options, schedule a tour to see Centre's floor plans in person.
