Business/Commerce at Baker University

Baker's business degree carries an estimated $27,000 in debt—slightly above the national median for this credential—while similar Kansas programs suggest first-year earnings around $48,000. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first annual salary. Four years out, actual reported earnings of $61,914 show meaningful income growth, though the initial years require managing that debt burden carefully.

What's worth noting is where this fits among Kansas business programs. Baker's estimated outcomes land in the middle of the pack—not approaching Kansas State's $54,000 starting point, but comfortably ahead of some smaller Kansas schools. The trajectory from year one to year four suggests the degree develops value over time rather than immediately. For a private university with a 92% admission rate, these peer-program comparisons suggest a fairly standard business education outcome without major red flags.

The four-year earnings figure provides some reassurance that the initial debt load becomes manageable with time. However, families should recognize they're working with educated guesses about this specific program's outcomes based on other Kansas schools. If your student has solid offers from Kansas State or KU with comparable financial aid packages, those programs offer clearer outcome data to evaluate. Baker may work well for students who need the smaller campus environment, but verify actual graduate outcomes directly with the school before committing.