Modern education with a history of excellence. Putting students first for over a century.
The beginnings of Baker College trace back to the turn of the 20th century, with the founding of Muskegon College by Woodbridge Ferris—who later became Governor of Michigan and then a U.S. Senator.
Just two decades later, Eldon E. Baker—an educator who built a highly successful business college in Winfield, Kansas—moved to Flint and founded Baker Business University, which stood at the corner of Court Street and South Saginaw.
In 1965, these two institutions came together under a single academic group headed by Robert Jewell of Muskegon. Throughout the years that followed, the schools continued to thrive and the group began to expand its outreach through the acquisition of other schools and locations.
Today, our student-first philosophy serves as the cornerstone of our educational mission. With a rich 113-year history, our institution is dedicated to ensuring students receive a comprehensive, quality education backed by dedicated faculty, staff, and support teams. From the moment students step onto one of our campuses, or starts an online program they are greeted with a supportive and nurturing environment designed to foster their personal and academic growth. Tailoring programs and services to meet their needs, we prioritize academic, financial, career, and student-centered guidance necessary for success.
Woodbridge Ferris founded Muskegon College.
Eldon E. Baker founded Baker Business University.
Robert Jewell purchased Flint’s Baker Business University and brought both schools under a single management group.
Muskegon College became a nonprofit corporation.
The two colleges received authorization to grant an Associate of Business degree. Baker Business University became Baker Junior College.
Baker Junior College became a nonprofit corporation.
The Owosso extension of Baker Junior College was established on the property of the former John Wesley College.
After each college received regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the three campuses merged to form the Baker College System. Muskegon College began offering extension classes in Cadillac.
The Baker College System was authorized to grant a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Baker Junior College became Baker College of Flint.
The renovated Mandeville School property became Baker College of Flint.
Baker College acquired locations in Pontiac, Mount Clemens, and Port Huron, forming Baker College of Eastern Michigan. Muskegon College changed its name to Baker College of Muskegon.
The Cadillac extension of Baker College of Muskegon opened a new 40-acre campus site.
The Pontiac campus relocated and became Baker College of Auburn Hills.
The Center for Graduate Studies opened in Flint, launching the System’s first graduate degree program. Jackson Business Institute was acquired to create Baker College of Jackson.
Baker College began offering online classes to students throughout the United States and foreign countries.
Baker College of Flint added its Cass City extension.
Baker College of Muskegon moved to a new, 40-acre site.
Baker College of Mount Clemens became Baker College of Clinton Township and began offering an Associate of Nursing degree.
Record enrollment was achieved with more than 21,000 students across the System. Baker College Online enrollment topped 4,000, reinforcing its position as a leader in distance education. The Center for Graduate Studies was granted full accreditation from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Baker College gained preliminary approval to offer the Elementary and Secondary Teacher Preparation programs. The Nursing program was expanded to Flint and Owosso. Baker College enrolled over 25,000 students, making it the largest private college in Michigan.
Baker College of Allen Park became the newest addition to the Baker College System.
Baker College reached record-high enrollment of nearly 34,000.
Baker College was accepted by the Higher Learning Commission as a participant in the highly innovative (AQIP) Academic Quality Improvement Program accreditation process.
The Baker College Center for Graduate Studies received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, becoming the fourth graduate program at Baker College. Baker College of Owosso opened the state-of-the-art Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan.
Baker College of Muskegon broke ground on the 40,000 square foot Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM). System enrollment grew to over 38,000. Baker College of Flint students dethroned Texas A&M to win first place in the National Collegiate Cyber Defense competition. Baker College of Flint opened the Center for Transportation Technologies in a former auto dealership.
Fall enrollment surpassed 43,000 students. Baker College of Flint successfully defended its Cyber Defense team Championship title.
The Baker College Center for Graduate Studies awarded the first Doctor of Business Administration degree at its June ceremony.
Baker College was granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education to grant a Bachelor of Nursing degree. Ground was broken for the construction of a new Culinary Institute of Michigan facility along the St. Clair River in Port Huron.
The Baker College Center for Graduate Studies received permission from the Higher Learning Commission to grant a Master Degree in Educational Effectiveness. The Baker College Center for Graduate Studies acquired St. Francis School of Law, which is a start-up, online law college.
The Baker College Teacher Preparation Program was awarded accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Higher Learning Commission granted accreditation to Baker College to offer a Master Degree in Nursing. The Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) accredited the Human Services Associate and Bachelor Degrees at Baker College. Baker College of Port Huron opened a residence hall for culinary students.
The Online Learning Consortium, the leading professional organization devoted to advancing the quality of digital learning worldwide, announced Baker College has earned the OLC Quality Scorecard Exemplary Endorsement, recognizing the outstanding quality of their online learning programs.
Our Engineering program was ABET accredited.
Baker College broke ground for the 86,000 square foot flagship campus in Royal Oak, MI.
Jacqui Spicer, Ed.D. appointed as president, the first woman president and CEO to lead BC in its history.
Our journey through the years has been marked by significant milestones. We have made strategic decisions to focus on enhancing resources which paved the way for the development of our new flagship campus in Royal Oak, MI, which opened its doors in 2023.
The Baker College Alumni Community launched, marking the beginning of a dedicated network for alumni, to strengthen connections and support among graduates.
Baker College announced a new brand identity, accompanied by the unveiling of the first-ever official mascot– the Baker College Bees! After a mascot naming contest, our beloved, Scout the Bee was born September 18th, bringing new spirit and excitement to the hive. The selection of a mascot is a historic milestone that bridges the student-first philosophy with a new powerful representation of unity and strength.