Early Decision FAQ's

Early Decision is a binding agreement, which requires you to withdraw all other college applications and attend Baylor if admitted, provided you are offered sufficient financial assistance. Early Action, on the other hand, is a non-binding program. If admitted via Early Action, you are not obligated to withdraw all other applications and can still choose which school you wish to attend. While the Early Action deadline and notification dates are earlier than Regular Decision, you still have until May 1 to decide whether or not you wish to attend Baylor.

Choose Early Decision if Baylor is your number one choice and you are committed to attending if admitted. Early Decision is ideal for students who are confident that Baylor is the right academic, social and financial fit for them and their family. Early Decision is binding. If admitted, students are expected to enroll and immediately withdraw all other college applications.

Students who identify Baylor as one of their top college choices prior to November 1 should consider applying Early Action. If admitted, students still have until May 1 to commit.

In order to submit an Early Decision application, students should check the box on the application indicating that they are applying under a binding Early Decision plan and submit the signed Early Decision Agreement Form with the application.

Yes. Students may apply to only one Early Decision program, but this does not prohibit you from applying to another school under a non-binding admission plan. If you are admitted to Baylor under the Early Decision plan, you must withdraw all other applications, pay your non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit and attend Baylor.

Students who apply Early Decision by the November 1 deadline will be notified of their admission by December 15. Students who apply Early Action by the November 1 deadline will be notified of their admission by January 15. Students who apply Regular Decision by the February 1 deadline will receive a decision by April 10. While Early Decision candidates may file non-binding applications to other colleges, if they are admitted under Early Decision, they must immediately withdraw all other applications and enroll at Baylor. Learn more about our admission plans here.

Admitted Early Decision students can expect to receive their financial aid package as early as February if the Student Financial Aid office has received their CSS Profile, FAFSA, and any required supporting documentation. The priority deadline for filing the CSS Profile is November 1 and the FAFSA is March 1.

Baylor seeks to provide the best possible financial aid package for each student. At this time, Baylor does not have the ability to guarantee that full need will be met for applicants. Please refer to our Affordability Planner, a resource that gives more information about the various ways to fund a Baylor education.