At $15,171/yr net price, Baker College graduates earn $35,833/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,833/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,171 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $60,684 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,833/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,833/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 33.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,061/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,467/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,299/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,482/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,154/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $73,164 | $36,407 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Master | $69,338 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $66,029 | $47,163 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $61,144 | $48,195 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $59,124 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,718 | $24,905 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $56,641 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $54,644 | $34,750 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $54,035 | $40,744 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
The Risk Factor
31.3% of students at Baker College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Baker College delivers weak overall financial returns, with graduates earning just $35,833 after ten years despite carrying $25,000 in debt. The 31% graduation rate means most students leave without a degree, making this a high-risk investment for your education dollars.
Your major choice makes all the difference at Baker. Nursing graduates earn $73,164 annually, creating strong ROI despite higher debt loads of $36,407. Management Information Systems also pays well at $69,338, though debt data isn't available for this program. Health administration and business management graduates see decent returns in the $60,000 range, but business majors carry nearly $50,000 in debt.
The biggest financial risk is Baker's low completion rate. With only three in ten students graduating, you face real odds of accumulating debt without earning your degree. The 72% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially in their first year.
Baker makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or health-focused programs where the school has established regional connections. These fields offer clear career paths and better earning potential. Avoid programs outside healthcare and business unless you have specific career goals that require them.
Only 38% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. The relatively low net price of $15,171 compared to many private colleges provides some value, but you must weigh this against the graduation risk. If you're considering Baker, have a backup plan and ensure you can handle the academic demands before enrolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baker College worth the money?
Baker College's low graduation rate of 31% and median earnings of $36,000 make it a risky investment for most students. The nursing programs offer better returns, but other majors typically don't justify the cost and debt.
What is Baker College's return on investment?
Baker College graduates earn around $36,000 annually after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. With $25,000 in typical debt, most programs struggle to provide positive ROI compared to other career options.
Which Baker College programs are worth the cost?
Registered nursing and nursing administration at Baker College lead to salaries around $73,000, making them the most financially viable options. Business and health administration programs show moderate returns, while other majors often underperform.
How much debt do Baker College students graduate with?
Baker College students typically graduate with $25,000 in debt. Given the low graduation rate and modest post-graduation earnings, this debt burden can be difficult to manage for many graduates.