At $12,484/yr net price, Lincoln University graduates earn $39,463/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,463/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,484 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,936 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,463/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,463/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 22.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,875 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,052/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,454/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,340/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,355/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,265/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
22.1% of students at Lincoln University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Lincoln University presents a challenging financial picture with a 22% graduation rate that significantly undermines the value proposition for most students. You face roughly a one-in-five chance of completing your degree, making this a high-risk investment regardless of program choice.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, delivering $56,302 in median earnings with relatively modest debt of $23,562. This program appears to maintain stronger completion rates and connects to Missouri's healthcare job market effectively. The remaining programs cluster around $35,000 in median earnings, which barely justifies the time and debt investment given the low graduation odds.
The $12,484 annual net price looks affordable, but the 50% retention rate signals that half of students leave after freshman year. You risk accumulating debt without earning a credential. The median debt of $28,875 becomes problematic when paired with $39,463 in median earnings, creating a debt-to-income ratio that strains most budgets.
This university works financially only if you enter the nursing program with strong academic preparation and clear career focus. Students considering other majors should look elsewhere unless they have strong circumstances requiring this specific location. The combination of low graduation rates and modest earning potential across most programs makes Lincoln University a poor financial choice for traditional college-bound students.
Nearly half of students receive financial aid, but no amount of aid compensates for the fundamental completion problem. Your money and time generate better returns at institutions with higher graduation rates and stronger career outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln University worth the cost?
Lincoln University has poor return on investment with graduates earning only $39,463 ten years after graduation despite accumulating $28,875 in median debt. The 22% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying programs at Lincoln University?
Nursing programs at Lincoln University offer the strongest financial returns, with registered nursing graduates earning $56,302 annually. Other programs like student counseling ($36,132) and information science ($35,701) provide modest returns but still below national averages.
How much debt do Lincoln University graduates have?
Lincoln University graduates carry $28,875 in median debt, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, the low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Should I attend Lincoln University for a non-nursing degree?
Most non-nursing programs at Lincoln University result in starting salaries around $35,000, making it difficult to justify the cost and debt. Consider other options unless you qualify for substantial financial aid that reduces your out-of-pocket costs.