Baker College
Owosso, Michigan · Private Nonprofit · 81.9% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 9/100 · Poor Value
Baker College earns a 9 ROI score and a Poor Value tier rating -- one of the worst-performing scores in our universe. The fundamentals are difficult across the board: median six-year earnings of $27,600 climbing to just $35,833 by year ten produce a near-zero 1.6 percent earnings premium, and the model flags a 231-year payback period -- effectively meaning a typical graduate may never recoup the full cost. Sticker tuition is $13,000 with a net price of $13,157 (slightly above sticker), keeping four-year cost at $52,628 -- moderate by private standards but still heavy against the school's earnings. Median debt is $25,000 against earnings producing a punishing 0.906 debt-to-earnings ratio. Completion at 35.8 percent is weak. The 51.6 percent five-year repayment rate is the most damning operational data point: nearly half of borrowers are not making progress on principal. Baker is a workforce-oriented private offering broad program coverage but with chronic underperformance on virtually every ROI dimension.
The data raises concerns about Baker College
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- ROI Score9/100 - Poor Value tier (below 45). Most 4-year schools we track score 60 or higher.
- 6-year graduation rate35.8% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
- Payback period>50 years - Graduates earn at or near the level of high school completers — the cost may not recoup within a working career.
Baker College
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,000/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $13,000/yr |
| Average net price | $13,157/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $52,628 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,833 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $27,600 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $265 |
| Estimated payback period | >50 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 35.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,026 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Baker College is $13,000/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,157/year, or roughly $52,628 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $11,976/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $17,964/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $265 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $35,833 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.91 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,976 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,362 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,546 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,754 |
| $110,001+ | $17,964 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Lowest-income families pay $11,976 net annually -- with the $30,001-$48,000 bracket actually paying slightly less at $11,362, a mild inversion. Roughly $48,000 over four years for Pell-eligible students against $27K six-year earnings is still a significant debt-to-earnings risk that the high-D/F ROI grades on most majors do not soften. Maximum federal aid is essential.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income brackets pay $11,362 ($30K-$48K), $12,546 ($48K-$75K), and $13,754 ($75K-$110K) -- a smooth and modest progression. Annual costs are below most private alternatives, but the cost-to-outcome math still struggles given the school's earnings profile. Middle-income families should compare against Michigan's strong public university system.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Higher-income families pay $17,964 net annually -- a noticeable jump and roughly $72K over four years. With median 10-year earnings of $35,833 and a flagged 231-year payback period, the math is genuinely punishing for full-pay families. Wealthier applicants would almost certainly secure better long-term value at any in-state public option.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Baker College with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $77,840 | C |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $65,591 | C |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $51,868 | D |
| Psychology | $46,049 | F |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $58,921 | F |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $45,610 | F |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration | $79,805 | C |
| Human Resources Management | $61,954 | D |
| Accounting | $63,286 | D |
| Computer Science | $80,179 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is Baker's largest program with 140 graduates, posting first-year earnings of $69,067 climbing to $77,840 by year four -- the strongest program-level earnings on campus. However, median debt of $45,086 is unusually heavy and produces a 0.653 debt-to-earnings ratio and only a C ROI grade. The strong earnings are partially offset by high program-level debt; nursing here is a positive ROI choice, but less attractive than nursing programs at lower-debt regional alternatives.
Computer Science
Computer Science graduates 18 students with $67,839 first-year and $80,179 four-year earnings -- strong absolute outcomes. Median debt of $38,134 yields a 0.562 debt-to-earnings ratio and a C ROI grade. The high program debt drags an otherwise solid program; students should aggressively minimize borrowing and target placement into Michigan's tech and automotive software sectors.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is Baker's second-largest program at 130 graduates, with $55,372 first-year and $65,591 four-year earnings. Median debt of $35,710 produces a 0.645 debt-to-earnings ratio and a C ROI grade. Career paths flow into Michigan small and mid-sized employers. The numbers are workable but unimpressive; students with strong academic credentials should consider a state university for likely better outcomes.
Psychology
Psychology graduates 45 students with $32,913 first-year and $46,049 four-year earnings against median debt of $41,688 -- producing a punishing 1.267 debt-to-earnings ratio and an F ROI grade. This is among the worst risk profiles on campus and one of the clearest cases where prospective students should look elsewhere. Without an explicit graduate-school plan, this is a financially precarious choice.
Health and Medical Administrative Services
Health Administration graduates 55 students with $40,114 first-year and $51,868 four-year earnings. Median debt of $39,444 yields a 0.983 debt-to-earnings ratio and a D ROI grade. Career paths in hospital and clinic administration are real but the high debt load against modest earnings makes this a tough financial proposition; community college pathways may deliver similar career access at far lower cost.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 45.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 51.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 35.8% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 40.1% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 81.9% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-560 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 500-600 |
| Enrollment | 3,026 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 37.7% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $6,382 |
Baker College admits 81.9 percent of applicants -- broadly accessible. SAT mid-50 percent ranges run 460-560 in Math and 500-600 in Reading; ACT data is not reported. The 35.8 percent completion rate is significantly weaker than the admission rate would suggest, reflecting the challenges of serving a working-adult population balancing employment and study. Prospective students should walk in with a clear graduation plan and budget for the time it takes to complete.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Baker College's nearest peers include Adrian College and Albion College -- both Michigan privates with substantially better ROI scores -- alongside Bethune-Cookman University and two Universidad Ana G. Mendez campuses in Puerto Rico. Within this peer cluster, Baker is among the weakest, with both Adrian and Albion meaningfully outperforming on completion and earnings. The Puerto Rico schools serve different populations and economic contexts.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baker College (this school) | 9 | $13,157 | $35,833 |
| Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs | 9 | $16,745 | $37,180 |
| Strayer University-Georgia | 9 | $18,318 | $40,092 |
| Strayer University-South Carolina | 9 | $17,979 | $40,092 |
| South University-Columbia | 8 | $27,693 | $34,421 |
| South University-Tampa | 8 | $20,434 | $34,421 |
Who Thrives Here
Baker College fits adult learners and career-changers in Michigan seeking workforce-applied degrees -- particularly in nursing, IT, and business administration. Enrollment is 3,026 undergraduates and Pell rate runs 37.7 percent, indicating significant working-class representation. Strongest student outcomes flow from the nursing and computer-science pipelines; outside those, the data are concerning. Students choosing Baker should narrow program selection sharply, plan for completion realistically, and treat the offering as a credentialing path rather than a traditional college experience.
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Baker College. With a net cost of $13,157 per year and median graduate earnings of only $35,833 ten years out, the estimated payback period exceeds >50 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Areas of concern include weak earnings relative to cost and a 35.8% graduation rate and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $25,000 against $35,833 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.