Come Back Stronger with Baker College Return to the Hive
Our Student-First teams created the Return to the Hive Debt Forgiveness Program to help you return to Baker College and complete what you started. If you left with an outstanding institutional balance, we may be able to forgive your debt. We’ve also waived our application fee.
You may also qualify for our Back to Baker graduate scholarships.
Eligible students can receive 100% of their prior institutional balance forgiven.
The Return to the Hive Program invites students back into the supportive community of Baker College. By forgiving institutional debt, students can return to achieve their academic goals with reduced stress and financial burden.
Applicants must meet the following requirements to qualify:
- Be a former Baker College undergraduate or graduate student
- Last attended two or more years ago
- Complete the re-enrollment process and meet the re-enrollment criteria
- Complete the FAFSA application process annually
- Maintain good standing of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress or have an approved appeal
- Attend at least half-time
- Follow an approved Return to the Hive Student Success Plan, which is developed in collaboration with Financial and Academic advising
Ready to take the next step? Complete an application today and an advisor will help walk you through the process.
Award Amount: Varies based on combined college grade point average:
- 3.5 GPA (Platinum Level): $3,000 per semester (maximum of $9,000 per year)
- 3.0-3.49 GPA (Gold Level): $2,000 per semester (maximum of $6,000 per year)
- 2.5-2.99 GPA: $1,000 per semester (maximum of $3,000 per year)
- Eligibility determined upon reentry undergraduate enrollment to Baker College.
- Complete the FAFSA application process annually.
- Register for a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester (award prorated if less than 12 credits).
- Maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
- Renewable for up to 3 additional years with continuous enrollment.
- The scholarship amount is based on institutional charges and will not be refunded to the student.
- This scholarship cannot be combined with other enrollment or alumni scholarships.
Baker Return to the Hive FAQs
How does the student debt forgiveness process work?
The process begins when a student complete an application to return to Baker College. The Admissions advisor will review the student’s application to determine if they meet the Return to the Hive and re-enrollment eligibility criteria. Once accepted, students are partnered with our Financial Aid and Academic Advising teams to build a personalized Student Success Plan for their return to Baker College.
Our advisors will work with the student one-on-one to create a custom path to degree completion and set up a manageable financial plan, including debt forgiveness eligibility. Students will also have regular check-ins with their advisor to keep them on track, provide support, and help overcome any challenges along the way. We’re with you every step of the way—because your success matters.
Eligibility for forgiveness is determined at the end of the semester and is based on meeting the requirements established on the Student Success Plan. Institutional debt is forgiven based on the following schedule.
- 50% of institutional debt will be forgiven after successfully completing the first semester.
- The remaining 50% will be forgiven after successfully completing the second semester.
- Students who graduate after one semester will receive 100% forgiveness upon graduation.
Note: Although your account will remain with the collection agency until the funds are forgiven, collection efforts will be suspended while you are enrolled and meeting the program requirements. Students may be responsible for any legal fees for previous collection activity.
Is there an application deadline?
While there isn’t a set deadline, we encourage students to apply at least 30 days prior to the start of the semester they plan to attend. This helps ensure we have ample time to meet and develop the student success plan and students are able to register for the required courses.
Students meeting the plan requirements qualify to have 100% of their institutional debt forgiven. Institutional debt is forgiven based on the following schedule.
- 50% of institutional debt will be forgiven after successfully completing the first semester.
- An additional 50% will be forgiven after successfully completing the second semester.
- Students who graduate after one semester will receive 100% forgiveness upon graduation.
Note: Accounts will remain with the collection agency until the funds are forgiven, collection efforts will be suspended while enrolled and meeting the program requirements. Students may be responsible for any legal fees for previous collection activity.
No, the Return to the Hive program specifically addresses institutional debt owed to Baker College. This program is designed to help students eliminate financial barriers related to their outstanding balances with the college, allowing them to re-enroll and complete their education.
For students with federal student loans, we have partnered with Student Connections to provide support throughout the loan repayment process. This service is completely free for Baker College students and can help you navigate your repayment options. You can visit their website at my.studentconnections.com or contact a borrower advocate at (866) 311-9450 for assistance.