Business Administration, Management and Operations at Baker University

Baker University's business management program posts impressive first-year earnings of $59,145—nearly 30% above the national median and placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. That's a genuine standout result for a program at a school with a 92% acceptance rate. However, the 60th percentile ranking within Kansas tells a more grounded story: this program performs well but isn't exceptional by in-state standards, where several competitors achieve similar outcomes.

The concern lies in the debt load. At $41,057, graduates carry 58% more debt than the Kansas median for business programs and nearly double the national benchmark. While the 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic—graduates earn enough to manage their loans—you're essentially paying a premium over state alternatives without a corresponding earnings advantage. Schools like Southwestern College and Rasmussen deliver comparable or slightly better earnings with notably less debt burden.

The 17% earnings growth to year four is solid, reaching $69,464, which confirms graduates are building careers rather than just finding initial placement. For families who value Baker's campus environment and can minimize borrowing through aid or family contribution, this program works. But if your child is taking on the full debt load, Kansas offers multiple business programs with similar career outcomes at lower financial risk. The earnings justify the degree; they don't necessarily justify the premium price tag.