Return to the Hive
Student Debt Forgiveness Program
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 balance, we may be able to forgive that institutional debt—so you can re-enroll, move forward, and reach your education and career goals with confidence and support. We believe in second chances—and in you.
Eligible students can receive 100% of their prior balance forgiven!
Life happens. But your goals don’t have to end when college gets interrupted. Let Baker help you finish what you started.
- Eliminate hurdles caused by past balances
- A clear path to graduation
- A supportive personalized plan to help you succeed and complete your degree
Admissions
Program Eligibility
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.
Scholarship Eligibility
In addition to the forgiveness of your past institutional debt, you may qualify for our Back 2 Baker or Alumni Scholarships.
- Graduate and undergraduate scholarships for Baker alumni
- Undergraduate scholarships for students who did not previously graduate
- Available for both full and part-time students
- Scholarship value: $3,000 – $9,000 per year
- No additional application required
Frequently Asked Questions
The process begins when a students 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.
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.
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.
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.