Acceptance Rate
94%
“A historic Kansas campus where personal connections shape a tight-knit liberal arts experience.”
Baldwin City, KS
Location
Rural
Campus Setting
Nestled in the small town of Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker University holds the distinction of being the oldest university in the state, founded in 1858 by Methodist ministers with a mission to educate a growing frontier. Its legacy is rooted in a commitment to community and moral grounding, which still echoes through its close-knit campus of just under 2,000 undergraduates. The school’s personality feels warm and approachable, with a focus on individual growth over flashy prestige, making it a haven for students who crave personal attention and a sense of belonging.
Baldwin City itself, with a population of about 4,500, offers a quiet, rural backdrop that can feel like a step back in time—think rolling plains and historic brick buildings rather than bustling urban energy. This setting suits students who appreciate a slower pace and deep connections, but it might not click for those who thrive on constant action or big-city amenities. If you’re looking for a place where professors know your name and your classmates feel like family, Baker could be your fit; if you need a vibrant nightlife or endless off-campus options, the isolation of this small-town campus could feel limiting.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Baker University shines as a liberal arts institution with a practical edge, emphasizing undergraduate teaching over large-scale research. You’ll find strong programs in education, business, and nursing, where hands-on learning takes center stage—think student teaching placements or real-world business projects rather than theoretical deep dives. Classes are typically small, fostering direct interaction with professors who prioritize mentorship, so you can expect to build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
That said, the academic scope here is narrower than at larger universities, so if you’re set on niche majors or cutting-edge facilities, you might find the offerings limited. The focus on accessibility—reflected in a high acceptance rate of nearly 92%—means you’ll be in a diverse academic environment where support is readily available, but the pace might not challenge highly competitive students seeking rigorous selectivity. Baker’s strength lies in nurturing potential through personal guidance, ideal for those who want a supportive path to a solid degree.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,530 undergrad • 487 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
69%
Black / African American
10%
Hispanic / Latino
9%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
10%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Baldwin City, KS
Varsity Athletics
Campus life at Baker University revolves around a tight community spirit, where most of the roughly 1,900 undergraduates live on or near campus, creating a homey, everyone-knows-everyone vibe. You’ll likely spend your weeks balancing classes with involvement in student organizations, athletic events, or service projects, as the university encourages active participation over passive socializing. Traditions like the annual Maple Leaf Festival, hosted in Baldwin City with campus involvement, tie students to the town’s heritage, while spirited support for the Wildcats in sports fosters a sense of pride.
The social scene is low-key, shaped by the rural setting—don’t expect wild parties or a sprawling entertainment district nearby. Winters can be harsh with biting cold and occasional snow, and the distance from major cities like Kansas City (about 45 minutes away) means off-campus adventures require planning. For students who value deep friendships and a quieter lifestyle, this environment feels cozy; for others craving constant stimulation, it might seem too isolated.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
NCAA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$20,800
$30K – $48K
$18,598
$48K – $75K
$23,562
$75K – $110K
$26,406
$110K+
$26,748
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
66%
4 Years Graduation Rate
62%
6 Years Graduation Rate
67%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$63,855
66% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Baker University and return in the fall. 62% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 67% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
62%
4-5 years
5%
6-8 years
2%
Non-grad
31%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$31,620
Acceptance
94%
Undergrads
1,530
4-Year Grad Rate
62%
Endowment
$55M
Baldwin City, KS 66006-0065
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