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 lands in solid financial territory. A $63,855 median salary ten years out against $25,000 in median debt means you can pay down what you borrowed without it dominating your budget. The 59% graduation rate is the catch: if you don't finish, you carry the cost without the earnings that justify it.
Your major decides your outcome here. Nursing pays best and pairs it with the lowest debt of any program listed, so you leave owing about $22,500 and earning $57,168. Business Administration earns nearly as much but comes with $31,031 in debt, the highest on the list, so the same salary buys you a tighter margin. General Business drops to $47,595. Teacher Education and Communication and Media Studies sit near $35,000 to $37,000, which puts loan repayment on a starting salary that leaves little room. If you want to teach, know going in that the paycheck won't clear debt quickly.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $16,000 to $18,000 a year, less than families earning $48,000 to $75,000, who pay $20,669. Above $110,000, you pay close to the full $28,000. The dip in the middle-income band matters: earn just over $48,000 and your price jumps by about $5,000.
The main risk is finishing. With 74% of first-year students returning and 59% graduating, roughly four in ten who start don't cross the line, and dropout debt has no salary behind it. Baker is a strong fit if you're heading into nursing or business and can commit to finishing. If you're drawn to teaching or media and paying near full price, run the numbers hard before you borrow.
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.