Michigan is home to some of the most prestigious and renowned colleges in the country, such as the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and the University of Detroit Mercy. However, not all schools in the state are equally impressive or reputable. In fact, one school has been named the worst college in Michigan by a recent ranking.
The Ranking Criteria
The ranking was published by Zippia, a career resource website that helps people find their ideal jobs. Zippia used data from the U.S. Department of Education, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and College Scorecard to rank the colleges in Michigan based on four criteria:
- Graduation rate: The percentage of students who complete their degree within six years.
- Average cost of attendance: The total amount of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for one academic year.
- Average amount of debt: The median amount of federal student loan debt for graduates.
- Early career earnings: The median earnings of graduates six years after enrollment.
Zippia then calculated a score for each college based on these criteria, with higher scores indicating worse performance. The college with the highest score was deemed the worst college in Michigan.
The Worst College in Michigan
According to Zippia, the worst college in Michigan is Baker College of Flint. Baker College of Flint scored 77.8 out of 100, which was significantly higher than the second-worst college, Spring Arbor University, which scored 69.9.
Baker College of Flint is a private, not-for-profit institution that offers associate, bachelor, and master degrees in various fields, such as business, health sciences, engineering, and education. The college has a total enrollment of 3,726 students, of which 2,487 are undergraduates.
However, despite its variety of programs and relatively low tuition, Baker College of Flint has a poor record of student success and satisfaction. According to Zippia, the college has a graduation rate of only 19%, which is the lowest among all colleges in Michigan.
The average cost of attendance is $23,040, which is higher than the state average of $21,771. The average amount of debt for graduates is $23,250, which is also higher than the state average of $21,250. The early career earnings of graduates are $30,600, which is lower than the state average of $34,300.
Additionally, Baker College of Flint has received negative reviews from students and alumni, who have complained about the lack of academic quality, student support, and career services. Some of the common issues reported by students include:
- Incompetent and unprofessional instructors who do not teach effectively, grade unfairly, or communicate clearly.
- Outdated and inadequate curriculum and facilities that do not prepare students for the current job market or industry standards.
- Poor administration and management that do not respond to student concerns, requests, or complaints.
- Limited and ineffective career services that do not help students find internships, jobs, or networking opportunities.
The Implications of the Ranking
The ranking by Zippia is not the only source of information that prospective students should consider when choosing a college, but it does provide some insight into the quality and value of the education offered by different institutions. The ranking also highlights the importance of doing thorough research and comparing multiple factors before making a decision.
For current and former students of Baker College of Flint, the ranking may be disappointing and discouraging, but it does not necessarily mean that their education was worthless or that their future is bleak. There are still ways to overcome the challenges and limitations of attending a low-ranked college, such as:
- Pursuing further education or training from a more reputable or accredited institution.
- Seeking mentorship, guidance, or feedback from experts or professionals in their field of interest.
- Building a strong portfolio, resume, and personal brand that showcase their skills, achievements, and potential.
- Networking and connecting with peers, alumni, or employers who can offer support, advice, or opportunities.
Conclusion
Baker College of Flint has been named the worst college in Michigan by a recent ranking that evaluated the colleges based on graduation rate, cost, debt, and earnings. The college has a low graduation rate, high cost and debt, and low earnings, as well as poor reviews from students and alumni. However, the ranking is not the final verdict on the college or its students, and there are ways to improve or compensate for the shortcomings of the college. Ultimately, the success and satisfaction of students depend on their own goals, efforts, and choices.