At $17,999/yr net price, Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn $49,956/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,956/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,999 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $71,996 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,956/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,956/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,423/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,970/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,591/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,243/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,680/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $98,551 | $156,921 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,403 | $57,040 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $58,673 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $56,087 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $55,422 | $20,500 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $54,613 | $315,197 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,733 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,077 | $19,226 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,265 | $20,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $47,863 | $22,960 |
The Risk Factor
53.9% of students at Lincoln Memorial 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
Lincoln Memorial University offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $17,999 net price creates reasonable debt loads for most programs, but earnings outcomes vary dramatically across disciplines.
Healthcare programs drive the strongest returns here. Nursing graduates earn $98,403 annually with manageable $57,040 debt loads, while allied health diagnostic programs reach $98,551 in earnings despite carrying hefty $156,921 debt burdens. These healthcare tracks align well with regional demand in rural Tennessee and Kentucky.
Business administration provides solid middle-ground returns at $58,673 annually, while education programs cluster around $55,000-$56,000 with lighter $20,500 debt loads. These education salaries reflect typical regional teaching compensation but may limit long-term wealth building.
The 53.9% graduation rate presents significant completion risk. You face nearly even odds of finishing your degree, making program selection critical. The 69.34% retention rate suggests many students struggle with academic demands or fit.
Financial aid reaches only 36.35% of students, indicating limited need-based support. This makes Lincoln Memorial most suitable for families who can handle the net price without extensive borrowing or students targeting high-earning healthcare programs that justify larger debt loads.
You should consider Lincoln Memorial if you plan to study nursing or allied health and want to practice in rural Appalachia. Skip this school if you need extensive financial aid, prefer urban job markets, or plan to major outside healthcare and business. The combination of moderate completion rates and limited aid creates financial risk for undecided students or those in lower-earning majors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln Memorial University worth the cost?
Lincoln Memorial University offers decent value for health science students, with nursing and allied health graduates earning around $98,000 annually. However, the overall 10-year median earnings of $49,956 are below average for college graduates, and the 54% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Lincoln Memorial University?
Allied health and nursing programs at Lincoln Memorial University produce the highest earners, with graduates making around $98,000 per year. Business majors earn significantly less at $58,673, while education graduates typically earn in the mid-$50,000 range.
How much student debt do Lincoln Memorial University graduates have?
Lincoln Memorial University graduates leave with a median debt of $20,000, which is relatively manageable compared to national averages. The $17,999 annual net price helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
Does Lincoln Memorial University have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes at Lincoln Memorial University vary greatly by program. Health science graduates do well with strong earning potential, but the school's overall graduate earnings lag behind many four-year institutions at just under $50,000 annually.