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Kansas State University vs Baker University: which has better ROI?

Public, Manhattan KS · vs · Private nonprofit, Baldwin City KS

The verdict

Baker University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $101,204 in 6.5 years versus 8.7 years at Kansas State University, on median earnings of $63,855 vs $57,262 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureKansas State UniversityBaker University
Net price / yr$19,406$25,301
Total net cost$77,624$101,204
Median earnings, 10 yrs$57,262$63,855
Median debt$21,250$25,000
Payback8.7 yrs6.5 yrs
20-year net return$100,416$208,696

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Kansas State University or Baker University?

Kansas State University, at $19,406 a year after aid versus $25,301 — a gap of $5,895 a year, or $23,580 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Kansas State University or Baker University graduates earn more?

Baker University graduates report a median $63,855 ten years after entry, $6,593 more than the $57,262 at Kansas State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Kansas State University or Baker University?

Kansas State University: its completers carry a median $21,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Baker University, a difference of $3,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Kansas State University, against 58% at Baker University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Kansas State University vs Baker University: frequently asked questions

Is Kansas State University or Baker University a better value?
Baker University. It clears its $101,204 net cost in about 6.5 years versus 8.7 years at Kansas State University, on median earnings of $63,855 vs $57,262 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Kansas State University or Baker University?
Kansas State University: $19,406/yr net price after aid versus $25,301/yr at Baker University — a difference of $5,895 a year, or about $23,580 over four years.
Do Kansas State University or Baker University graduates earn more?
Baker University graduates earn a median $63,855 ten years after entry, versus $57,262 at Kansas State University — a $6,593 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.