About Baker University
Students pay an average net price of $22,500 after financial aid, making this private education more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Graduates earn a median of $63,855 ten years after graduation, which provides solid return on investment given the typical debt load of $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 remains manageable compared to earning potential.
Baker's athletic culture stands out with 582 student-athletes competing across 20 NAIA sports programs. Nearly 54% of students participate in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused campus environment. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 59.40% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish. With 98.7% of graduates finding employment, Baker delivers on job placement even if the academic journey proves challenging for some.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 23.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.4%
- Retention Rate
- 74.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,855
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $86,867 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,473 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,168 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $54,928 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $47,595 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,999 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Master | $45,696 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $44,691 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,235 |
Campus Life
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you skip class. With 582 athletes competing in 20 NAIA sports, game days draw significant crowds despite the small size. Baker's United Methodist heritage creates a welcoming but not overly religious atmosphere where chapel attendance is encouraged but not mandatory. Students often gather at the Mungano Center for events or head to nearby Clinton Lake for outdoor activities. The 74.24% retention rate reflects students who appreciate the personal attention but also signals that the rural setting and limited nightlife aren't for everyone. Weekend options include Kansas City trips, campus activities, or house parties in the surrounding farmland.
- Setting
- Rural-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 576 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1858
Campus Safety (2023)
15 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–39°F
- July Avg
- 67°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 48.1%
- Women
- 51.9%
- White
- 65.2%
- Black
- 11.3%
- Hispanic
- 11.2%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 72.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.9%
Location
- Address
- Baldwin City, Kansas 66006-0065
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $63,855
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $67,533
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $48,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 65.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Baker University?
Baker University accepts 91.75% of applicants, making it relatively accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score around 20 on the ACT. This Methodist liberal arts college values personal attention over extreme selectivity.
How much does Baker University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,500 annually, less than the sticker price of $45,870. Families earning under $30,000 pay just $18,256 per year on average. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $23,294 to help make education affordable.
What is Baker University known for academically?
Baker University maintains a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. The school has built a strong reputation for teacher education and nursing programs. As a United Methodist institution founded in 1858, it emphasizes liberal arts education with values-based learning.
How do Baker University graduates perform after college?
Graduates earn a median salary of $63,855 ten years after graduation, with a 98.7% employment rate. The school achieves a 59.4% six-year graduation rate among its 1,080 students. Monthly loan payments average $265, making the debt burden manageable for most graduates.
Where is Baker University located and what is campus life like?
Baker University sits in rural Baldwin City, Kansas, creating a tight-knit college town atmosphere. The campus houses 576 students in residence halls, fostering close community bonds. With 582 student-athletes competing in 20 NAIA sports, athletics play a central role in campus culture.
Does Baker University offer good athletic opportunities?
Baker University awards over $12 million in athletic scholarships across 20 varsity sports programs. More than half of the student body participates as Wildcats athletes in NAIA competition. The rural Kansas setting creates strong school spirit and community support for athletic programs.
