Baker University: Kansas College Profile & Rankings
Complete Baker University profile with rankings, costs, financial aid, and alumni earnings data.
Baker University: Complete Profile, Rankings and Data
Baker University, located in Baldwin City, Kansas, stands as one of America’s Best Colleges, offering students a comprehensive education with competitive financial aid packages. This institution has earned recognition for its commitment to affordability, academic quality, and student success. Whether you’re evaluating colleges for yourself or your family, understanding Baker University’s key metrics, financial opportunities, and outcomes can help inform your educational decisions.
Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics
Baker University maintains a competitive acceptance rate that reflects its selective admissions process. With a 92% acceptance rate, Baker University demonstrates accessibility while maintaining academic standards for incoming students. The institution welcomes applications from qualified candidates seeking a rigorous liberal arts education combined with practical financial support.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Understanding the true cost of attending Baker University requires examining both the sticker price and the actual out-of-pocket expenses for students receiving financial aid. The estimated full price for the 2025-26 academic year is $52,990, which includes tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board. However, Baker University’s commitment to affordability means that students receiving average financial aid pay significantly less.
Financial Aid Impact on Actual Costs
The estimated price for students who receive average financial aid is $24,800, representing a substantial reduction from the full cost. This figure demonstrates Baker University’s dedication to making private education accessible to families across various income levels. The difference between the full price and the aided price showcases the institutional commitment to meeting student financial needs through grants, scholarships, and other aid mechanisms.
Financial Aid Overview
Baker University’s financial aid office works diligently to create comprehensive packages that combine multiple funding sources. The typical financial aid package includes a strategic combination of university scholarships, state and federal grants, campus work opportunities, and student loans. Critically, only loans require repayment after graduation, while scholarships and grants provide non-repayable funding.
Financial Aid Awards and Support
Baker University distributed more than $26 million in financial aid to students in recent years, making higher education more affordable for hundreds of students. Within the College of Arts and Sciences, 100% of full-time Baker students received financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants, totaling thousands of dollars per student. Additionally, 86% of Baker students received talent-based awards recognizing achievements in fine and performing arts, athletics, creative writing, and student-run media.
Graduation Rate and Student Success
Baker University’s graduation rate of 65% reflects the institution’s effectiveness in supporting students through degree completion. This metric measures degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students, providing a comprehensive view of student persistence and success. The graduation rate serves as an important indicator of institutional effectiveness and student outcomes.
Alumni Earnings and Post-Graduation Success
Early career earnings represent a crucial metric for evaluating the return on investment in higher education. At Baker University, the median earnings for graduates and non-completers, 10 years after they first enrolled, demonstrate the value of a Baker education. These figures reflect the diverse career paths pursued by Baker alumni across various industries and fields.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Prospective students seeking financial support at Baker University should follow a structured process to maximize their aid eligibility and opportunities. The financial aid process begins well before enrollment and continues through the student’s academic career.
Application Steps
The first step involves completing Baker’s Application for Admission and Financial Aid, preferably during the fall semester. Next, students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), with a priority deadline of March 15. Baker’s federal school code is 001903. Finally, students who wish to use federal student loan eligibility should complete entrance counseling and loan applications online using their Student Aid ID.
FAFSA Requirements
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid serves as the centerpiece of the financial aid process at Baker University. This federal form determines a student’s eligibility for state and federal funds by analyzing income and asset data. The FAFSA can be completed online and is essential for all students seeking any form of federal or state financial assistance.
Types of Financial Aid Available
Baker University offers a diverse range of financial aid options to meet different student needs and circumstances. Understanding these options helps students and families plan effectively for their educational investment.
University Scholarships and Grants
Baker University provides institutional scholarships and grants based on academic merit, talent, and demonstrated financial need. All recipients of Baker-funded aid must be enrolled full-time, defined as a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. These non-repayable funds significantly reduce the burden on students and families.
Federal and State Financial Aid
All students are eligible to apply for federal and state financial aid through the FAFSA. Applicants who receive a Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant will have a loan included in their awards package. Students may decline the loan; however, a grant or scholarship will not be substituted for a declined loan.
Campus Employment Opportunities
Baker University offers campus work opportunities that allow students to earn money while gaining valuable work experience. These positions help students offset educational costs while maintaining their academic focus.
Student Loans
Federal student loans are available to eligible students, with repayment beginning six months after graduation, leaving school, or dropping to less than half-time enrollment. Additionally, Baker University has worked with various private lenders to offer credit-based student loans. All freshmen must have a credit-worthy coborrower, while upperclassmen with weak credit history may be required to have a coborrower. The minimum monthly payment is typically $50, with flexible repayment options available.
Payment Options and Plans
Baker University recognizes that families have different financial situations and preferences. To accommodate varied circumstances, the institution offers interest-free payment plans that allow students to extend payments throughout the year. The total amount due for the year, after scholarships, grants, and loans are deducted, is divided into manageable payments beginning as early as July preceding the fall semester. Students should contact Nelnet Campus Commerce for additional information about payment plan options.
Financial Aid Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for Baker University institutional aid, recipients must be full-time students enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Students have a maximum of nine semesters of eligibility for institutional aid, requiring careful academic planning to maximize support.
Academic Progress Standards
Students receiving financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. Quantitative standards require students to be able to complete the degree program within 150% of the reported program length. Additionally, students must successfully complete at least 67% of attempted hours each semester. All transfer hours accepted by Baker University are considered when reviewing attempted hours, and all hours attempted when the student did not receive financial aid count, including summer hours.
Financial Aid Standing
Financial Aid Standing at Baker University is based on hours earned only at Baker University. Both cumulative GPA and hours earned affect eligibility to receive Baker-funded aid. Students must maintain good standing to continue receiving institutional support. Students will be reviewed annually to determine if they remain in good Financial Aid Standing to receive institutional aids.
Educational Purpose and Registration Requirements
To receive federal financial aid, students must sign a statement of educational purpose indicating that federal funds will be used for education-related expenses. Students must also confirm that they have registered with the Selective Service or are not required to register, do not owe repayment on Title IV grants, are not in default, and have not borrowed in excess of loan limits.
Contact Information and Resources
The Office of Financial Aid at Baker University provides comprehensive support and guidance throughout the financial aid process.
Office Details
Office of Financial Aid
P.O. Box 65
Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Students and families can also access additional resources including a Net Price Calculator to estimate their personalized financial aid package and a Scholarship Newsletter to stay informed about opportunities.
Baker University’s Competitive Position
Baker University ranks competitively among American colleges, with Money magazine recognizing it as one of the country’s best values. The institution’s combination of reasonable costs, substantial financial aid, solid graduation rates, and positive alumni outcomes positions it as an attractive option for students seeking quality education at an affordable price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baker University’s acceptance rate?
Baker University maintains a 92% acceptance rate, making it a relatively accessible institution while still maintaining academic standards for admitted students.
How much does it cost to attend Baker University?
The estimated full price for the 2025-26 academic year is $52,990, including tuition, fees, and on-campus room and board. However, students receiving average financial aid pay an estimated $24,800, thanks to Baker’s generous financial aid packages.
What percentage of Baker students receive financial aid?
Within the College of Arts and Sciences, 100% of full-time Baker students received financial aid in the form of scholarships and grants. Additionally, 86% of Baker students received talent-based awards in various areas.
What is Baker University’s graduation rate?
Baker University’s graduation rate is 65%, measuring degree completion within six years for both transfer students and first-time students.
How do I apply for financial aid at Baker University?
Complete Baker’s Application for Admission and Financial Aid, fill out the FAFSA with a priority deadline of March 15 (Baker’s federal school code is 001903), and complete entrance counseling and loan applications online if you wish to use federal student loans.
What types of financial aid does Baker offer?
Baker University offers a comprehensive package including university scholarships, state and federal grants, campus work opportunities, and student loans. More than $26 million in financial aid was distributed to students in recent years.
Is there a net price calculator available?
Yes, Baker University provides a Net Price Calculator on its website to help prospective students estimate their personalized financial aid package based on their individual circumstances.
What is the minimum credit hour requirement for financial aid eligibility?
Students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester to receive institutional aid and the maximum amount of support available.
References
- Baker University Admissions and Financial Aid — Baker University. 2025. https://www.bakeru.edu/admissions/financial-aid/
- Baker University Profile, Rankings and Data — Money Magazine. 2025. https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/baker-university/
- 2025 Best Colleges in U.S. — Money Magazine. 2025. https://money.com/best-colleges/
- Baker University Tuition and Fees — Baker University. 2025. https://www.bakeru.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
- U.S. Department of Education National Center for Education Statistics — U.S. Department of Education. 2025. https://nces.ed.gov/
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