About Baker College
Baker College focuses on career preparation rather than traditional liberal arts education. The 3,026 students pursue hands-on training in business, healthcare, and technology programs designed to lead directly to employment. This private career college sits in the small town of Owosso, Michigan, where students get personal attention with an 8:1 student-faculty ratio. Baker has built its reputation on practical skills training rather than research or campus traditions.
Students pay an average net price of $15,171 after financial aid, with 38% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $35,833 ten years after leaving school, which creates a challenging return on investment given the typical debt load of $25,000. Monthly loan payments average $265, and only 32% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The employment rate reaches 95.4%, but the earnings may not justify the cost for many students.
The student body is overwhelmingly female at 77% and largely from Michigan, with 93% of students staying in-state. Graduation rates tell a concerning story, with only 23% finishing in four years and 31% completing their programs within six years. The 72% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled through their first year.
Students pay an average net price of $15,171 after financial aid, with 38% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $35,833 ten years after leaving school, which creates a challenging return on investment given the typical debt load of $25,000. Monthly loan payments average $265, and only 32% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule. The employment rate reaches 95.4%, but the earnings may not justify the cost for many students.
The student body is overwhelmingly female at 77% and largely from Michigan, with 93% of students staying in-state. Graduation rates tell a concerning story, with only 23% finishing in four years and 31% completing their programs within six years. The 72% retention rate suggests many students struggle to stay enrolled through their first year.
Academics & Faculty
Baker College focuses on career-ready programs in business, healthcare, and technology that emphasize hands-on training over theoretical study. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know students by name and provide personalized guidance. However, only 31% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many working adults face in completing degrees. The college attracts students seeking practical skills for immediate employment rather than traditional academic research. Business administration, nursing, and information technology remain the most popular majors. With 95.4% of graduates finding employment, Baker prioritizes job placement over academic prestige. Most students are Michigan residents looking for affordable career training close to home.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 16.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 22.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 31.3%
- Retention Rate
- 71.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,833
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,164 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $69,338 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $66,029 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,144 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $59,124 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,718 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,641 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $54,644 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $54,035 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
Campus Life
Baker College sits in Owosso, a small Michigan town about 90 minutes northwest of Detroit. Women make up 77% of the student body, reflecting the school's strong nursing and healthcare programs. Only 558 students can live in campus housing, so most of the 3,026 enrolled students commute from nearby towns or live off-campus. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small and professors know your name.
Michigan winters require heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through March. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between the practical lab spaces and career-focused classrooms. About 93% of students come from in-state, creating a local community feel. Weekends tend to be quiet since many students work part-time jobs or internships related to their career programs. The campus culture centers around hands-on learning rather than traditional college social life. Students often study together in small groups, preparing for certification exams in fields like medical assisting, business administration, and information technology.
Michigan winters require heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through March. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking between the practical lab spaces and career-focused classrooms. About 93% of students come from in-state, creating a local community feel. Weekends tend to be quiet since many students work part-time jobs or internships related to their career programs. The campus culture centers around hands-on learning rather than traditional college social life. Students often study together in small groups, preparing for certification exams in fields like medical assisting, business administration, and information technology.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 558 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1911
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 14°–30°F
- July Avg
- 59°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.9"
Student Demographics
Baker College draws students who want practical, career-focused training close to home. Nearly 93% come from Michigan, reflecting the school's strong reputation among local families seeking affordable professional education. Women make up over three-quarters of the student body, which aligns with Baker's emphasis on healthcare and business programs that traditionally attract female students. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class Michigan families looking for hands-on training that leads directly to employment in growing fields like nursing and technology.
- Men
- 23.2%
- Women
- 76.8%
- White
- 75.7%
- Black
- 10.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.6%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 92.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.1%
Location
Baker College sits in Owosso, a town of about 14,000 people in central Michigan, roughly 30 miles northeast of Lansing and 80 miles northwest of Detroit. The campus serves a largely local population, with 92.56% of students coming from within Michigan. Owosso offers a classic small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and historic downtown buildings, providing a quieter alternative to major metropolitan areas. The Shiawassee River runs through the community, and students have access to nearby recreational areas and state parks. The town maintains strong ties to manufacturing and agriculture, reflecting the practical, career-oriented focus that defines Baker's academic programs. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Baker College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Owosso, Michigan 48867
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $35,833
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,144
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.5%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Baker College?
Baker College accepts 36.65% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a career-focused institution. The school prioritizes students who are serious about practical, job-oriented education in fields like healthcare and business technology.
How much does Baker College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $15,171 annually at Baker College. The school charges the same $12,810 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, with total attendance costs reaching $21,410 including room and board.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Baker College?
Baker College maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, providing small class sizes for hands-on learning. The college emphasizes practical training in career-focused programs across business, healthcare, and technology fields.
What are the graduation rates at Baker College?
Baker College has a 31.30% six-year graduation rate and 22.92% four-year graduation rate. Despite lower completion rates, the school boasts a 95.4% employment rate, reflecting its focus on preparing students for immediate workforce entry.
Where is Baker College located and what is campus life like?
Baker College sits in Owosso, Michigan, a small town setting with housing capacity for 558 students. The campus serves 3,026 students who are 92.56% Michigan residents, creating a close-knit community focused on career preparation.
Is Baker College primarily for women students?
Women make up 76.77% of Baker College's student body, while men represent just 23.23%. This gender distribution reflects the college's strong programs in healthcare and business fields that traditionally attract more female students.
