The Annual Impact Report celebrates the powerful impact of the Baylor Family’s annual giving. During the 2024-25 academic year, more than 26,000+ alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of Baylor gave nearly $193 million to advance our mission on campus and around the world. Generosity fuels transformational experiences for our students, sustains excellence in academics and athletics, and honors Baylor’s Christian commitment to service and leadership.
View impact By the Numbers and scroll through the highlights below to see how gifts made a
difference. You may even meet a few Bears along the way.
The Power of Scholarships: How We’re Extending the Line
The Baylor Family’s generosity of $42M+ in scholarship support expands opportunities for aspiring Bears to pursue a transformational Baylor education, today and in the future. Gifts to unrestricted and endowed funds combine with other sources of funding to provide more than 90% of our students with some form of tuition assistance. This year also marked a strong start for the Extend the Line Scholarship Initiative, fueled by these gifts toward a bold goal of raising $250 million for new scholarships by 2030, so that more students can answer their call to Baylor.
"My initial merit scholarships and my award package as an undergraduate student have been very helpful. I do still have two jobs currently as a student, but it's helpful to have some of that financial weight off your plate… And I think that it's kind of what's facilitated my ability to pursue a couple different opportunities like study abroad."
- Ava Roat, Baylor University student
Bears Helping Bears: Bearathon & Student Foundation
The 2025 Bearathon raised a record $62K+ for scholarships, with 2,000 runners hitting the trail known as “the Toughest Half in Texas.” The annual race is just one of many ways that the Student Foundation raises funds throughout the year to support their fellow Bears. This year, their work with Homecoming Grandstands, cold calls and more directly benefited 131 students with scholarships totaling $360K.
“Student Foundation had an incredibly successful year of service, community engagement, and impact. Members dedicated countless hours to providing meaningful experiences for the Baylor community. Our greatest impact lies in helping students thrive at Baylor by providing the financial resources they need to pursue their education.”
- Lauren Emiliani, Assistant Director of Student Activities & Troy and Betty Lou Mays Director of Student Foundation
President’s Excellence Fund: A Lifeline of Opportunity
$255K+ given to the President’s Excellence Fund allows Baylor to address the emerging needs of students and programs with a timely boost of direct support. Whether covering unexpected costs or expanding access to experiential learning opportunities, these gifts bridge the gap between intention and impact.
“Integrating research into education equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, making them versatile and innovative professionals and community leaders. This practical experience fosters lifelong learning and prepares them to excel in their careers.”
- Tammy Adair, Ph.D., Director of Undergraduate Research
The Baylor Parent Fund: Supporting the Whole Student
More than 2K gifts to the Baylor Parent Fund totaling $187K directly benefit student life—strengthening academic resources, health and wellness initiatives, and spiritual formation opportunities across campus. These funds reflect the commitment of Baylor Parents to all students by promoting a well-rounded experience that helps every Bear thrive. Guided by the Parent Advisory Council, dollars are awarded annually where needed most.
“The Counseling Center carried me from surviving to thriving. I received caring and compassionate care from licensed counselors who helped me navigate my emotions and the complexities of college life. Through individual and group counseling at BUCC, I learned coping skills that carried me through to graduation and resiliency tools that I still use every day in my professional and personal life.”
- Katie Gomez ’17, Prospect Research Analyst at Baylor University
Preparing Champions for Life: Athletics with Purpose
Gifts totaling $94K+ to Preparing Champions for Life strengthen Baylor’s 500+ student-athletes by equipping them not only for elite performance but for a life of character, service and spiritual growth. Baylor Athletics continues to rise in national prominence through elite competition, but it’s the heart behind the hustle that truly shines.
“It’s the best place. You’re going to grow spiritually here. That’s why I went to Baylor; to grow as a man. I want to be the best person I can be and stay connected to God.”
- VJ Edgecombe, 2024-2025 Baylor Men’s Basketball, Big 12 Freshman of the Year, No. 3 pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Baylor Missions: From Waco to the World
Thanks to 262 gifts totaling $86K+, more students can serve on Baylor Missions trips that connect faith, service and learning. Last year at 29 sites across 12 countries, participants experienced how to live out their callings —from medical outreach in the Dominican Republic and Uganda to education initiatives in Costa Rica and even business workshops in Zambia.
“Through this mission trip, I saw God move in powerful ways—not just in the community we served, but in my own heart. I was able to use what I’m learning at Baylor, both in healthcare and in Spanish, to connect deeply and humbly with others. It was a beautiful reminder of how God works through us when we step out in faith and love others as He first loved us.”
- Ashley Paz, Baylor University Student
The Baylor Call Center: Voices of Connection
Fun Fact – Each year, about 30 Baylor students work behind the scenes in our Baylor University Engagement Call Center, helping keep the Baylor Family connected. Through heartfelt conversations, our callers offer meaningful ways to engage. Whether highlighting upcoming events or expressing gratitude for a recent gift, these calls celebrate all things Baylor and may even spark generosity that directly supports the mission of our university.
Their impact? In the past year, their outreach generated an incredible 1,622 gifts totaling $291K+. More than a number, these results are a testament to the power of connection, purpose and student dedication.
🙌 The Baylor Family Made All This Possible AND MORE. Want to Keep It Going?
Gifts of every amount help shape students into leaders of faith, character, and purpose who further extend Baylor's Mission beyond campus and into the world.
👉 Whether you’ve given every year or are considering your first gift, make your gift now to be a part of the Baylor Family’s lasting impact.