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

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

The verdict

University of Kansas has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,236 in 5.3 years versus 6.5 years at Baker University, on median earnings of $61,945 vs $63,855 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of KansasBaker University
Net price / yr$18,059$25,301
Total net cost$72,236$101,204
Median earnings, 10 yrs$61,945$63,855
Median debt$21,000$25,000
Payback5.3 yrs6.5 yrs
20-year net return$199,464$208,696

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

Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or Baker University?

University of Kansas, at $18,059 a year after aid versus $25,301 — a gap of $7,242 a year, or $28,968 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Kansas or Baker University graduates earn more?

Baker University graduates report a median $63,855 ten years after entry, $1,910 more than the $61,945 at University of Kansas. 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, University of Kansas or Baker University?

University of Kansas: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Baker University, a difference of $4,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at University of Kansas, 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.

University of Kansas vs Baker University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Kansas or Baker University a better value?
University of Kansas. It clears its $72,236 net cost in about 5.3 years versus 6.5 years at Baker University, on median earnings of $61,945 vs $63,855 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or Baker University?
University of Kansas: $18,059/yr net price after aid versus $25,301/yr at Baker University — a difference of $7,242 a year, or about $28,968 over four years.
Do University of Kansas or Baker University graduates earn more?
Baker University graduates earn a median $63,855 ten years after entry, versus $61,945 at University of Kansas — a $1,910 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.