Business Administration, Management and Operations at Baker College

Baker College's business program commands attention with graduates earning $55,372 in their first year—placing it in the 84th percentile nationally and well above both the national median ($45,703) and Michigan's state median ($50,550). However, this strong start comes with a significant price tag: median debt of $35,710 is substantially higher than typical business programs nationally ($26,000) and in Michigan ($27,000).

The debt burden becomes more concerning when considering the earnings trajectory. Unlike most degree programs that show growth over time, Baker graduates actually see a slight decline from $55,372 to $54,064 between years one and four. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 remains manageable, the combination of high debt and stagnant earnings growth suggests graduates may struggle to improve their financial position over time.

For parents evaluating this investment, Baker College delivers solid initial outcomes that outperform most business programs, but at a premium cost. The high debt relative to peer programs means your child would need to maximize that strong first-year earning potential to justify the investment. Given Michigan's competitive landscape—where schools like Grand Valley State offer similar earnings with likely lower debt burdens—this program works best for students who specifically value Baker's approach and are committed to leveraging that strong early career positioning.