Accounting at Baker College

Baker College's accounting associate's degree performs solidly within Michigan, ranking in the 60th percentile among state programs—though earnings fall just below the national median of $37,000. The $36,181 starting salary trails Oakland Community College by over $4,000, but the more significant concern is debt: at $26,067, graduates carry nearly $9,000 more than the Michigan median for this degree. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, meaning students owe roughly nine months of gross income at graduation.

The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth to $38,187 after four years—a 6% gain that at least moves in the right direction. However, the debt burden stands out. Baker College ranks in just the 7th percentile nationally for student debt, meaning 93% of comparable programs saddle graduates with less borrowing. For an associate's degree in a practical field like accounting, this level of debt deserves scrutiny.

For Michigan families, this isn't a catastrophic choice, but it's not optimal either. If your child can access Oakland Community College—which produces higher earnings with less debt—that's clearly the stronger play. If Baker College is the most convenient option, the program works as a stepping stone to accounting jobs, but you should minimize borrowing wherever possible. Every dollar not borrowed makes the math work better for a degree that produces steady, middle-income earnings rather than spectacular returns.