Baker College is a private, nonprofit college. Its main campuses are in Owosso and Royal Oak, Michigan, United States. It was founded in 1911. As of 2023, it has four additional campuses across the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
History
Baker College was originally named Baker Business University. It was founded in 1911 in Flint, Michigan, by Eldon E. Baker. In 1965, Baker Business University merged with Muskegon College after the Jewell family, who owned Muskegon College, purchased Baker Business University. The institution changed its name to Baker Junior College in 1974 and became a nonprofit organization in 1977.
In 1983, the Owosso extension of Baker Junior College was created on the former property of John Wesley College.
In 2008, a former auto dealership in Flint, Michigan, was renovated and turned into the Baker College Center for Transportation Technology. This facility opened to students in 2009. Also in 2009, Baker College's Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) opened for students studying culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and food and beverage management. A three-story, 39,000-square-foot (3,600 m²) building in downtown Muskegon, Michigan, was constructed starting in the spring of 2008. In 2010, Baker College of Cadillac opened a new Center for Transportation and Technology. In 2011, the Culinary Institute of Michigan received Exemplary Status accreditation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
In 2020, Baker College moved its main campus from Flint, Michigan, to Owosso, Michigan. At the same time, the Clinton Township and Allen Park campuses were closed. The college also relocated to a new, modern campus in downtown Royal Oak.
Campuses
Baker College helps many different types of students, including those who attend classes in person, those who study online, older students returning to school, and students who are the first in their families to go to college. Baker College focuses on programs in Nursing, Health Sciences, Business, and IT/TECH, and offers more than 90 degrees and certifications. Campuses include:
- Owosso, Michigan
- Cadillac, Michigan
- Jackson, Michigan
- Muskegon, Michigan
- Royal Oak, Michigan
- Center for Graduate Studies
- Baker College Online
- The Culinary Institute of Michigan
- The Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan
Mission and academics
Baker College has helped students learn and grow for over 100 years. Its goal is to provide education that helps students succeed in school and in their careers. Baker College is one of the largest private, non-profit colleges in Michigan.
Baker College was started in 1911. It offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Michigan and online.
Baker College released its 2026 President's Report. This report shows how the college has grown, what new ideas it has tried, and how it has helped people. It builds on the success of the first President's Report, which was praised nationally by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and PR Daily. The 2026 report includes more details about results, how the college affects Michigan, and plans for the future.
The 2026 President's Report shows important progress at Baker College. It includes more than $3 billion in economic impact, recognition as a Newsweek Top Online College, and being part of the FirstGen Forward Network, which supports students who are the first in their families to go to college. The report also highlights the college's work with artificial intelligence, expanding programs for high school students to earn college credits, keeping tuition costs the same, and being named a Military Friendly® Silver School and a Michigan Veteran-Friendly Gold institution.
To help the college grow, Baker College added sports programs in 2026. It also expanded student support services, improved campus buildings, provided free learning tools, and added several new degree programs.
Notable alumni
- J. M. Allain, Broadway producer
- Pam Faris, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives
- Alex Garza, member of the Michigan House of Representatives
- Dena Head, women's basketball player
- Michele Hoitenga, member of the Michigan Senate
- Bronna Kahle, former member of the Michigan House of Representatives
- Gena C. Lovett, Vice President of Operations at Boeing Defense, Space & Security
- Jeff Raatz, member of the Indiana Senate
References
- Among students who chose to submit