Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Baker College

Baker College's teacher education program produces graduates earning roughly $38,000 annually—below both the Michigan median of $43,882 and the national benchmark of $41,809. Among Michigan's 30 teacher education programs, this sits at the 40th percentile, placing it firmly in the lower half. For comparison, Wayne State graduates earn $10,000 more in the same field. The stagnant earnings trajectory (just a 3% increase over four years) suggests limited financial advancement even as teachers gain experience.

The debt picture compounds the concern. At $37,292, graduates carry nearly 30% more debt than Michigan's typical education major and significantly exceed the national median of $26,000. With first-year earnings nearly matching total debt (0.99 ratio), new teachers face a challenging financial position right out of college. This ranks in the 5th percentile nationally for debt—meaning 95% of comparable programs saddle students with less borrowing.

For families looking at teaching careers, this represents a particularly difficult value equation. While Baker's 88% admission rate makes entry accessible, the combination of below-median earnings and above-median debt creates long-term financial strain. Michigan offers multiple teacher education programs with both better starting salaries and more manageable debt loads. Unless specific circumstances—location, schedule flexibility, or personal connections—make Baker uniquely suitable, families should carefully weigh these numbers against in-state alternatives that better position graduates for financial stability in an already modestly-compensated profession.