Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.1%
- Retention Rate
- 50.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,463
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $28,875
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.6%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $306/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,302 | $23,562 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $36,132 | |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $35,701 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $35,330 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $31,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $30,650 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $30,259 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $31,250 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $29,250 | $33,472 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $37,335 |
Outcomes Overview
Lincoln graduates face significant financial challenges after earning their degrees. The median debt of $28,875 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73, meaning graduates owe about three-quarters of their first-year salary. Monthly loan payments of $306 consume roughly 10% of take-home pay based on median earnings of $39,463. This burden is heavier than typical for public universities. The concerning 32.57% loan repayment rate suggests many struggle to keep up with payments. However, the 98.7% employment rate shows graduates find work consistently. Many enter education, agriculture, and public service fields that prioritize social impact over high salaries. Despite strong job placement, the financial mathematics point to a weak return on investment.