At $22,500/yr net price, Baker University graduates earn $63,855/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $29,855/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,500 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $63,855/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$29,855/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.4% |
| 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 | $18,256/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,729/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,669/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,365/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,999/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $86,867 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $67,473 | $39,979 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,168 | $22,551 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,415 | $31,031 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $54,928 | $26,500 |
| 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 | $20,618 |
| Education, General. | Master | $44,235 | $17,057 |
The Risk Factor
59.4% of students at Baker University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Baker University delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $63,855 placing it well above the national average for similar institutions. Your net price of $22,500 creates a reasonable payback timeline, especially given the relatively modest debt load of $25,000 for most students.
Educational Administration stands out as Baker's strongest financial program, with some graduates earning $86,867 annually. Business Administration shows mixed results across different tracks, ranging from $56,415 to $67,473, though the higher-earning business track comes with nearly $40,000 in debt. Nursing provides steady middle-ground returns at $57,168 with manageable debt of $22,551.
The main financial risk at Baker is the 59% graduation rate. If you struggle with smaller campus environments or need extensive academic support, you face real dropout risk that eliminates any ROI benefit. The 74% retention rate suggests about one in four students transfers or leaves after freshman year.
Baker works best financially if you plan to stay in Kansas or the broader Midwest, where the regional alumni network and employer relationships maximize your job prospects. The school's education and business programs align well with regional employment opportunities.
Only 24% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting Baker relies heavily on merit scholarships to make attendance affordable. If you qualify for significant merit aid, Baker becomes an excellent value proposition. Without substantial aid, you should compare carefully against Kansas public options or regional competitors with better financial aid packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Baker University worth the cost?
Baker University graduates earn $63,855 ten years after graduation with median debt of $25,000, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. However, the 59% graduation rate means four out of ten students don't finish their degree, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at Baker University?
Educational Administration graduates from Baker University earn the highest salaries at $86,867, followed by some Business Administration tracks at $67,473. Nursing graduates earn around $57,168, which is solid for healthcare but lower than many nursing programs nationally.
How much debt do Baker University students graduate with?
Baker University graduates have a median debt of $25,000, which is reasonable compared to the national average. With post-graduation earnings of $63,855, most graduates can manage this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does Baker University have good job placement after graduation?
Baker University's 91% acceptance rate indicates it's not highly selective, and the 59% graduation rate suggests academic support challenges. The $63,855 average earnings are decent for Kansas but below national averages for college graduates.