Baker University
Baker University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Baker University at a Glance
Baker University is a private university in Baldwin City, Kansas, United States. Founded in 1858, it was the first four-year university in Kansas and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Baker University is made up of four schools. The College of Arts and Sciences and the undergraduate courses in the School of Education (SOE) are located on the campus in Baldwin City. The School of Professional and Graduate Studies (SPGS) and the graduate branch of the SOE serve nontraditional student…
1858
168 years old
1,945
1,457 undergrad · 488 grad
10 acres
Identity
Is Baker University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Baker University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $63,855 — 19% above average — while paying $25,301/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 59% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 94% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Baker University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Baker University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #43 of 109 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Mount Carmel College of Nursing | 100 | $10,420 | $75,103 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Saint Johns University | 56 | $25,672 | $76,786 |
| #43 | Baker University | 37 | $25,301 | $63,855 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Baker University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in KS.
Best Programs at Baker University
The highest-earning program at Baker University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $55,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at $29,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Baker University earns $55,900, while a Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities graduate earns $29,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $20,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,301/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $55,900 | $55,900 | $20,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,300 | $55,300 | $25,336 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $42,700 | $42,700 | $21,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $29,800 | $29,800 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $29,700 | $29,700 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in KS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Baldwin City, KS
- Student Body
- 1,100 students
- Admission Rate
- 94%
- Graduation Rate
- 59%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,301
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $63,855
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000