Baker University
Baker University is a private nonprofit university in Baldwin City, KS ranked #702 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 1,080 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 92.1%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing.
Day to day, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 74.2% first-year retention, and 59.4% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $22,500, about $5,502 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -39.2%, roughly 124.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $54,747. That's about $11,059 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Baker University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Baker University graduates 59.4% of students within six years and keeps 74.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Baker University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $33,900 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $10,720 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,190 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $48,117 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.9% of Baker University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $18,256 to $27,999 depending on family income. Use Baker University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,365/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $27,999/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $54,747
- 10-Year Median Earnings $54,747
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,530
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 65.1%
- Employment Rate 93.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Baker University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Baker University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Baker University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Baker University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Baker University graduates earn $54,747 median, the -39.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 13-21
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,080
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 74.2%
- Graduation Rate 59.4%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Baker University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Baker University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 92.1%, Baker University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 92.1% acceptance rate, Baker University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Baker University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Business/Commerce, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 25.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 24.2%
- Business/Commerce, General 8.8%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 6.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.3%
- Communication and Media Studies 4.0%
See more majors
- Biology, General 3.5%
- Psychology, General 3.5%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $73,837
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $72,987
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $69,105
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations $58,685
- 5. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $50,261
- 6. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $49,307
- 7. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $45,760
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degree) $103,306
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $95,861
- 3. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $88,110
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $71,307
- 5. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Master's Degree) $58,444
- 6. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $55,481
- 7. Education, General (Master's Degree) $55,221
- 8. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $53,343
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $73,837—61% more than Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($45,760). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $103,306 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Baker University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 91 graduates)
- Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree, 22 graduates)
- Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degree, 16 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (31 programs)▼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Accounting and Related Services
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Physics
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Human Biology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- International/Global Studies
- Economics
- Public Health
- International Business
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Science
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies, General
- Philosophy
- Music
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)▼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,080
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 48.1%
- Female Students 51.9%
- Caucasian 65.2%
- Asian 1.2%
- Hispanic 11.2%
- Black 11.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.9%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Baker University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Baker University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Baker University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Baker University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.9% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Baker University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Baker University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Baker University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -39.2% ROI. Ranked #702 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,500 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $54,747 median earnings. With 59.4% graduating within six years and 74.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Baker University's Positioning
With a B grade and #702 ranking, Baker University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,500 annually, Baker University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 74.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,750 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -39.2% ROI and $54,747 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,500+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Baker University ranks #702 of 6272 institutions, with 710 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 59.4% six-year graduation rate sits 3.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.2% first-year retention is 2.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -39.2% return on investment is 124.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $54,747 run about 25% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,500 is roughly $5,382 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.3% employment rate within three years sits 25.1 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,500 is about $5,382 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.9% trails the national share by 15.0 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Baker University, a private nonprofit university in Baldwin City, KS, secures a B grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #702 nationally Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes A-, and Affordability C+.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
74.2% of learners come back after year one while 59.4% complete the degree within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -39.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $22,500 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $48,117.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $25,617 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,530 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.9% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $54,747 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 25% higher.
The three-year employment rate is close to 93.3%.
Plan around an ROI of about -39.2% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
92.1% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Baker University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065
- Website www.bakeru.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$49.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.3%