Baylor University is a private, Baptist-affiliated research university located in Waco, Texas. It is the largest Baptist university in the world by enrollment. Founded in 1845, Baylor is the oldest university in Texas operating under its original name. Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Association of Southern Baptist Colleges and Schools.

The Baylor University campus is located just southeast of downtown Waco, roughly bounded by IH-35, Speight Avenue, Eighth Street and the Brazos River.The university is known for its programs in medicine, business, law, music, museum studies and theology. Bachelor's, master's, doctorate and professional degrees are offered through eleven degree-granting academic units.The university was chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas under Republic President Anson Jones and opened at Independence, Texas, as a coeducational institution. Its founders were Reverend William Milton Tryon and Judge Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor, the University's namesake.