Baker University, a premier private university rooted in liberal arts education and academic excellence, announces today its second-straight designation on the Colleges of Distinction list for 2026-2027. At a time when students, families, and policymakers are asking harder questions about the real value of a college degree, Baker University offers a crystal-clear answer. The College of Distinction designation is reserved for institutions whose dedication to the undergraduate experience speaks for itself.
|
Image
|
Image
|
Image
|
Image
|
This award signifies Baker’s adherence to what Colleges of Distinction calls its Four Distinctions: Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. Rather than relying on endowment figures or selectivity rates, Colleges of Distinction conducts in-depth research and direct interviews with each institution, selecting only those whose campuses reflect a genuine, student-first philosophy.
“Today’s students are navigating a college landscape shaped by rising costs, rapid technological change, and real uncertainty about the future of work,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer at Colleges of Distinction. “What they need from higher education isn’t just a credential, but preparation for the world ahead. Baker University delivers that through the kind of intentional, high-impact education that equips students for whatever comes next.”
Baker was recognized as a standout in areas outside of the classroom, including its study abroad opportunities, internship programs and support services, original research opportunities for students to work closely with professors to produce and present research, and for developing leaders through various student resource groups, student government and activities and clubs.
The university was also recognized for its outstanding faculty who encourage students to pursue passions, step up to challenges and harness their educational opportunities. Baker’s vibrant community and opportunities offered to students – like service learning opportunities, university ministry program, scholars symposium, Baker University Wetlands research and study environment, and athletics – was highlighted in its ranking.
“Being named a College of Distinction affirms what Baker has long believed: students thrive when they are known, challenged, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to apply their education,” said Baker University President Jody Fournier. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff, the strength of our community, and our shared commitment to preparing graduates who are ready to lead, serve, and succeed in a changing world.”
Being named a College of Distinction affirms what Baker has long believed: students thrive when they are known, challenged, supported, and given meaningful opportunities to apply their education. - President Jody Fournier
Colleges of Distinction was founded on a conviction that still holds: the most meaningful measure of a college is the experience it provides, not its place in a numerical ranking. Baker’s inclusion reflects its mastery of that measure. From undergraduate research and collaborative coursework to immersive service-learning and mentored internships, its students are active participants in their own education.
