At $23,393/yr net price, Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates earn $45,543/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,543/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,393 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,572 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,543/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,543/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 8.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,289/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,427/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,065/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,754/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,067/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,236 | $72,210 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $48,849 | $30,164 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $48,265 | $21,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $42,235 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $37,928 | $20,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,374 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
51.0% of students at Lenoir-Rhyne University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Lenoir-Rhyne University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $45,543 barely justifying the $23,393 annual net price. The 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without completing their degree, making the investment particularly risky.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions stands out as the only program with strong earning potential at $66,236, though graduates carry heavy debt loads of $72,210. Nursing provides solid middle-ground returns at $48,265 with manageable $21,000 debt. Business Administration offers decent earnings of $48,849 but saddles graduates with $30,164 in debt. Education majors face poor financial prospects, earning just $37,928 despite reasonable debt levels.
You face significant risks at Lenoir-Rhyne beyond the low graduation rate. The 71% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially during their first year. With nearly 40% of students receiving aid, financial pressure clearly affects the student body.
This school works financially if you plan to study rehabilitation therapy or nursing and can handle the academic demands. The regional job market in western North Carolina supports these healthcare fields. Business majors might find decent local opportunities, but the debt-to-income ratio remains concerning.
Avoid Lenoir-Rhyne if you're considering education, liberal arts, or other programs not listed among the top earners. The combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and limited earning potential creates poor financial outcomes for most majors. You'll likely find better value at North Carolina public universities or community colleges that offer transfer pathways to four-year programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lenoir-Rhyne University worth the cost?
Lenoir-Rhyne's value depends heavily on your major, with rehabilitation programs offering strong returns at $66,236 median earnings but education majors earning just $37,928. The $26,000 median debt load is manageable, but the 51% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Lenoir-Rhyne University?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead at $66,236 median earnings, followed by business at $48,849 and nursing at $48,265. Education majors earn significantly less at $37,928, which may make the debt harder to repay.
How much debt do Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates typically have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $26,000, which is reasonable compared to many private colleges. However, with 10-year earnings averaging $45,543, graduates will need to budget carefully for loan payments.
What is the graduation rate at Lenoir-Rhyne University?
Only 51% of students graduate from Lenoir-Rhyne, meaning nearly half leave without a degree but may still have student loans. This low completion rate is a significant risk factor when considering the investment.