Founded in 1858, Baker University was the first university in Kansas. It is named for Osmon Cleander Baker, a distinguished scholar and bishop of what is now the United Methodist Church. Today this educational establishment is a comprehensive and highly respected university, which has seven campuses in Kansas and Missouri.

Academics
Students can enter Baker University at different stages of their academic life. They can either start their study as freshmen in the College of Arts & Sciences or School of Education at the Baldwin City campus, or take adult and professional programs offered through the School of Professional and Graduate Studies. Moreover, students interested in nursing and health administration can pursue their degree in the School of Nursing in Topeka.

Baker University offers numerous majors through its schools:
• College of Arts & Sciences
• School of Professional & Graduate Studies
• School of Nursing
• School of Education

Baker University School of Professional and Graduate Studies offers online education programs to working professionals. Online program and courses are particularly designed for individuals who experience time, schedule, or geographical restraints. Online learning at Baker University SPGS closely aligns with the SPGS mission to meet the lifelong learning needs of nontraditional and other students. Online learning is carried out by using Blackboard, Baker University's learning management system, in order to create an online classroom environment in which instructors and students interact. Typically online courses require reading assignments, papers and projects, discussion of course concepts, tests, and additional learning opportunities.

Since 1913, the University has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for degree programs in arts, sciences and professional curricula at the associate, bachelor, master and doctorate levels.

Financial Aid
The availability and the type of financial aid depend on the individual’s financial needs. The types of financial aid available in Baker University include federal grants, federal loans, and scholarships. Moreover, there exist several programs offering veterans education benefits.