Admissions Overview
At Baker College, we are committed to creating a welcoming, accessible, and student-centered admissions experience that reflects our mission of providing inclusive, innovative, and transformative educational opportunities. We recognize that every student’s journey is different, and we are committed to helping students identify the admission pathway that best aligns with their educational goals, prior experiences, and future aspirations.
Our admissions framework is designed to provide multiple entry points into the College while maintaining clear academic standards and a supportive enrollment experience. Whether students are applying as first-year, transfer, graduate, military-affiliated, dual enrollment, international, guest, or returning students, Baker College is committed to providing guidance, transparency, and personalized support throughout the admissions process.
Admissions processes are structured to help students understand eligibility requirements, application expectations, and next steps while ensuring alignment with institutional, state, federal, and accreditation standards. Through this approach, Baker College seeks to reduce barriers to access while supporting student readiness, persistence, and long-term success.
Baker College admits students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or other protected characteristics.
Applying to Baker College is designed to be a supportive and straightforward process. Undergraduate applicants may apply online through the Baker College website or through approved application partners.
Begin Your Application
Prospective undergraduate students may submit an application through:
Submit Required Documents
To complete the admissions process, undergraduate students should submit the following:
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Completed application for admission
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Official final high school transcript, GED, or equivalent credential
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Official transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities, if applicable
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Additional program-specific materials, if required
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Optional: ACT or SAT scores, if students choose to submit them
Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution or through an approved electronic transcript provider such as Parchment or the National Student Clearinghouse.
Documents may be submitted:
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Electronically: adm-processing@baker.edu
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By Mail: Baker College, Office of Admissions, 1020 S. Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867
Connect with an Admissions Advisor
Once an application is received, students are connected with an admissions professional who will guide them through the next steps of the enrollment process, including document collection, program exploration, financial aid guidance, and orientation preparation.
Orientation and Transition Support
Baker College encourages all students to participate in orientation and transition experiences designed to support a successful start to their educational journey.
All undergraduate and graduate students, whether learning online or on campus, are expected to complete the Student Welcome Experience as part of their transition into the Baker College community. The Student Welcome Experience is designed to help students become familiar with college resources, student support services, academic expectations, technology platforms, and strategies for success.
On-Campus Students
New Student Orientation provides students with opportunities to:
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Learn about campus resources and student services
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Connect with faculty, staff, and peers
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Explore campus expectations and support systems
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Prepare for registration and the start of classes
Students unable to attend in person are encouraged to complete online orientation experiences associated with their start term.
Online Students
Online students are encouraged to participate in synchronous orientation sessions and complete the Student Welcome Experience. These experiences are designed to help students build confidence navigating online learning systems, connect with support resources, and prepare for success in a virtual learning environment.
Graduate Students
Graduate students are also encouraged to engage in dedicated orientation and onboarding experiences designed to support advanced academic study, familiarize students with institutional resources, and connect students with the tools and support systems available throughout their program.
Baker College welcomes undergraduate applicants who have earned a high school diploma or equivalent credential and who demonstrate readiness for college-level coursework.
Admission decisions are made using a holistic review process that may consider:
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High school academic performance
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Previous college coursework
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Academic progression and recent performance
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Standardized test scores, if submitted
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Preparatory coursework or assessment information
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Other indicators of readiness
High school certificates of completion are not considered equivalent to a high school diploma.
Optional Standardized Testing
ACT and SAT scores are not required for undergraduate admission. However, students may choose to submit scores to support placement into higher-level coursework or fulfill assessment verification requirements.
English Language Proficiency
Students whose native language is not English are encouraged to demonstrate English language proficiency through approved assessment methods such as TOEFL or IELTS. Additional information regarding international student requirements can be found in the International Student Admissions section of this handbook.
Ethical and Transparent Admissions Practices
Baker College is committed to ethical, transparent, and student-centered admissions practices. The College does not knowingly misrepresent academic programs, admission requirements, costs, transferability of credit, licensure considerations, delivery formats, or career outcomes.
Admissions representatives are expected to provide accurate, timely, and complete information to support students in making informed enrollment decisions aligned with their educational and professional goals.
Accuracy of Application Information
Students are expected to provide accurate information throughout the admissions process. Providing false or misleading information on admissions documents may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the College.
Baker College is committed to supporting transfer students by recognizing prior academic achievement and helping students continue progress toward their educational goals.
Transfer applicants should submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Official transcript evaluations are completed to determine transfer credit eligibility and how prior coursework may apply toward degree requirements.
Transfer credit evaluations are conducted in alignment with institutional academic standards and program requirements. Certain programs may have residency requirements, minimum grade standards, or limitations regarding the age or applicability of transfer coursework.
Transfer students are encouraged to work closely with admissions advisors and academic teams to understand how transfer credit applies to their selected program and anticipated graduation timeline.
Some undergraduate programs at Baker College may offer direct admission into a specific academic major, while others may require students to first complete prerequisite coursework or progress through additional review processes before formal program admission.
Program-specific admission requirements may include:
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Minimum GPA requirements
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Completion of prerequisite coursework
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Background checks or clearances
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Supplemental applications or interviews
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Competitive admission processes
Programs within areas such as Nursing, Health Science, Education, and Social Science may have additional progression or admission requirements based on accreditation standards, clinical placement availability, or professional expectations.
Detailed information regarding program-specific requirements is provided through admissions professionals and individual program handbook supplements.
Baker College values the experiences and contributions of military-connected students and is committed to supporting active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and military-affiliated families throughout the admissions process.
Military-affiliated students may be eligible for:
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Credit evaluation for military education and training
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Support navigating military educational benefits
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Flexible learning options, including online and campus-based programs
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Personalized admissions and enrollment support
Students using military educational benefits may be required to provide additional documentation related to military service, benefit eligibility, or prior military training.
Baker College recognizes that learning occurs in a variety of settings, including prior college coursework, professional experience, military training, certifications, and workforce-based learning.
Through transfer credit and prior learning evaluation opportunities, the College seeks to reduce barriers to degree completion while maintaining academic integrity and alignment with program learning outcomes.
Credit evaluation opportunities may include:
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Transfer coursework from accredited institutions
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Military education and training
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Industry certifications and licenses
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Prior learning assessment opportunities
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Workforce and experiential learning evaluation
All prior learning evaluations are conducted according to institutional policies and academic standards.
Baker College supports students returning after an interruption in enrollment and is committed to helping students successfully continue their academic journey.
Re-Entry Requirements
Undergraduate students who have been away from the College for three or more semesters are required to complete a re-entry application.
Returning students may also be required to submit updated:
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High school completion documentation
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Official college transcripts
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Program-specific documentation
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Additional supporting materials based on program requirements
Academic Standing and Re-Entry Eligibility
Students previously in good standing or academic probation may generally return upon completion of the re-entry process and submission of required documentation.
Students previously placed on academic suspension may reapply after three or more semesters.
Students dismissed for academic reasons may apply for re-entry after an absence of at least one calendar year and may be asked to submit a personal statement outlining their readiness to return and succeed academically.
Evaluation of Prior Coursework
Following submission of a re-entry application, the College conducts an updated transcript and program evaluation to determine how previously earned credits apply toward current program requirements.
Students returning to programs no longer offered will work with admissions and academic teams to identify alternative program pathways aligned with their goals.
Special Admissions and Professional Program Requirements
Certain Baker College programs, particularly those within Health Sciences, Nursing, Education, and other professions requiring clinical, practicum, internship, or field-based experiences, have additional admission and progression requirements beyond admission to the College.
Because these programs rely on limited clinical placements, experiential learning opportunities, accreditation standards, and external partner capacity, admission to the academic program may be limited and competitive.
Admission to Baker College and Professional Program Admission
Students applying to these programs are typically admitted to Baker College and their intended major but are not automatically admitted to the professional phase of the program.
Students begin by completing prerequisite coursework and any other program-specific requirements. Once all eligibility requirements have been met, students must submit a Professional Program Application (PPA) to be considered for admission into the professional phase of the program.
Admission decisions are based on criteria established by each program and may include factors such as:
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Completion of prerequisite coursework
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Overall grade point average (GPA)
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Performance in prerequisite, science, and other ranked admission courses
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Completion of prerequisite coursework at Baker College
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Academic performance within coursework completed at Baker College
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Background checks, clearances, or other compliance requirements, where applicable
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Other program-specific admission requirements
Meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to a professional program. When the number of qualified applicants exceeds available seats, applicants may be ranked using program-specific criteria and offered admission based on available capacity.
Detailed admission requirements, selection criteria, and progression standards are published in the applicable program handbook addendum.
Direct Admission Pathways
Select professional programs may offer a limited number of Direct Admission seats to highly qualified incoming students. These opportunities are designed to recognize exceptional academic achievement and provide an early pathway into competitive programs.
Students selected for Direct Admission receive a reserved seat in the professional program, contingent upon successful completion of all prerequisite coursework and continued compliance with the academic standards established by the program.
To maintain Direct Admission status, students must meet the enhanced academic requirements outlined in the applicable program handbook or handbook addendum. These requirements are typically more rigorous than the minimum standards required to be eligible for admission through the standard Professional Program Application process and may include higher grade point average requirements, higher grades in prerequisite coursework, and other program-specific expectations.
Students who successfully maintain Direct Admission eligibility and satisfy all program requirements will retain their reserved seat in the professional program.
Students who do not maintain Direct Admission eligibility will forfeit their reserved seat and will be required to participate in the standard Professional Program Application process. These students may still be considered for admission to the program but will be evaluated using the same admission criteria, ranking process, and seat availability as all other applicants.
Additional Program Requirements
Professional programs may require students to complete additional requirements before participating in clinical, practicum, internship, or field experiences. These requirements may include:
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Criminal background checks
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Drug screening
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Health examinations and immunization records
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Professional liability requirements
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Clinical, practicum, internship, or field placement documentation
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Other program-specific requirements
Students are responsible for understanding and complying with all admission, progression, and professional requirements associated with their program of study.
Baker College reserves the right to modify admission requirements, selection criteria, and seat availability to maintain compliance with accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and clinical placement capacity.
Baker College graduate programs are designed to provide advanced academic and professional preparation while supporting students through a structured and student-centered admissions process.
Graduate applicants are admitted on a rolling basis.
Submit Your Application
Graduate applications may be submitted online at baker.edu/apply.
Submit Official Transcripts
Graduate applicants must submit official transcripts demonstrating completion of the appropriate undergraduate or graduate degree requirements.
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Master’s applicants should submit transcripts from the institution awarding the bachelor’s degree.
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Doctoral applicants should submit transcripts from the institution awarding the master’s degree.
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Applicants with previous graduate-level coursework should also provide official graduate transcripts.
Official documents may be submitted:
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Electronically: adm-processing@baker.edu
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By Mail: Baker College, Office of Admissions, 1020 S. Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867
Optional Application Materials
Applicants may also choose to submit:
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Admissions essay
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Current resume
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GMAT or GRE scores
Optional materials may provide additional context regarding professional experience, academic readiness, leadership, or long-term educational goals.
Current Undergraduate Students Applying to Graduate Programs
Students completing undergraduate degrees who have earned at least 90 credits may apply for graduate admission before completing their undergraduate degree.
Graduate admission at Baker College is designed to support qualified, motivated, and professionally focused students pursuing advanced education.
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution prior to matriculation into a graduate program.
Graduate admissions review may consider:
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Academic history and GPA
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Professional experience
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Admissions essay or supplemental materials
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Previous graduate coursework
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Program-specific requirements
General Admission Guidelines
A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher is generally expected for master’s degree admission.
Applicants with GPAs below the preferred threshold are encouraged to provide additional context through an admissions essay describing their academic growth, professional readiness, and preparation for graduate-level work.
Program-Specific Graduate Admission Requirements
Certain graduate programs maintain additional admission requirements.
Master of Occupational Therapy
Applicants may be expected to meet additional GPA and prerequisite course requirements before beginning the program.
Master of Science in Nursing
Applicants must possess:
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An active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license
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A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or related nursing degree from an accredited nursing program
Doctoral Programs
Doctoral applicants are generally required to:
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Hold a master’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution
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Meet minimum graduate GPA requirements
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Provide official transcripts from completed graduate coursework
Graduate transfer credit may be considered for coursework completed at accredited institutions when the coursework aligns with program requirements and institutional academic standards.
Graduate transfer evaluations are conducted carefully to ensure:
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Academic rigor and comparability
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Alignment with learning outcomes
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Compliance with residency requirements
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Consistency with accreditation expectations
Not all graduate coursework is eligible for transfer, and transfer limitations may vary by program.
Baker College supports military-affiliated graduate students by providing admissions guidance, flexible learning opportunities, and assistance navigating military educational benefits.
Graduate military-connected students may work with admissions professionals to:
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Evaluate previous military and academic experience
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Understand military funding and tuition assistance options
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Identify flexible pathways aligned with professional and personal commitments
Graduate-level transfer and prior learning opportunities are evaluated within the context of advanced academic expectations and discipline-specific standards.
While Baker College recognizes professional experience and prior graduate-level learning, all awarded graduate credit must align with institutional learning outcomes, program rigor, and accreditation expectations.
Graduate students returning after an interruption in enrollment may be required to complete a re-entry application and submit updated transcripts or supporting documentation.
Returning graduate students are expected to meet current program requirements at the time of re-entry.
Academic and program evaluations are conducted to determine:
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Remaining degree requirements
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Applicability of previous coursework
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Alignment with current curriculum standards
Baker College welcomes students interested in taking courses without pursuing a degree program.
Guest and non-degree seeking students may enroll for purposes such as:
Students may be required to provide unofficial or official transcripts depending on course prerequisites or placement requirements.
Enrollment as a guest or non-degree student does not guarantee admission into a degree program.
Baker College provides opportunities for eligible high school students to begin earning college credit through dual enrollment and high school partnership programs.
These programs are designed to provide:
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Early access to college coursework
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Career exploration opportunities
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Accelerated pathways toward degree completion
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Transferable college credit opportunities
Admissions requirements for dual enrollment students may include:
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High school approval or partnership participation
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Minimum academic performance standards
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Parent or guardian permissions
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Placement or prerequisite verification
Additional details regarding dual enrollment eligibility, registration, and participation requirements are available through Admissions and participating school districts.
Baker College welcomes international students and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive admissions experience for students pursuing education in the United States.
English Language Proficiency
International applicants may demonstrate English language proficiency through approved assessments such as:
Undergraduate Applicants
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TOEFL iBT minimum score of 64
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IELTS minimum score of 6.0
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SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score of 450
Graduate Applicants
English proficiency requirements may be waived for students educated in countries where English is the official language of instruction.
International Transcript Evaluation
Students completing education outside the United States, including Canada, are generally required to submit transcript evaluations completed through a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) affiliated organization.
Evaluations should include:
Student Visa and Immigration Requirements
International students planning to study on campus in the United States may be required to complete additional immigration and student visa documentation.
Additional information regarding tuition deposits, visa processes, and required forms is available through Admissions and Financial Services.
Students interested in living on campus at Baker College should complete all required admissions and housing application steps by established deadlines.
Campus housing availability may depend on:
Additional information regarding residential living requirements, policies, and timelines can be found within the Residence Life and Housing section of this handbook.
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