Business Administration, Management and Operations at Baker College

Baker College's business administration associate's delivers earnings well above typical programs—$40,585 puts graduates in the 78th percentile nationally—but comes with debt nearly double the norm. That $23,937 price tag is significantly higher than the $14,000 median for this program in Michigan, while the earnings place solidly in the middle pack for the state. Three Michigan community colleges produce higher earnings at likely lower cost, including Macomb ($43,491) and Lansing ($43,026).

The debt load here matters more because earnings plateau immediately. Graduates earn essentially the same four years out as they do fresh out of school, making that 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio feel heavier over time. For a parent comparing options, the question becomes whether Baker's outcomes justify paying $10,000 more in debt than state competitors when several community colleges deliver better earnings trajectories at lower cost.

This isn't a bad outcome—graduates still earn $6,600 more than the national median for this degree. But for Michigan families, the value calculation tilts toward community college alternatives unless Baker offers specific program features or flexibility that justify the premium. The strong earnings floor makes this a relatively safe bet, just not necessarily the smartest investment in the state.