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's numbers point to a weak financial return, and the biggest problem isn't cost. Net price is low, but median earnings ten years out sit below what many high school graduates make. You are borrowing close to a full year's post-graduation salary in debt to get there.
The deeper risk is finishing at all. Only about half of first-year students come back for a second year, and barely one in five graduates. If you leave without a degree, you keep the debt and lose the earnings bump a diploma is supposed to buy. That completion risk is the single most important number for anyone considering Lincoln.
Among the programs with data, Information Science, Accounting, and Psychology cluster at the top, and even those top out around $35,000. The two teacher education tracks pay less, near $30,000, and one carries over $30,000 in debt to get there. Psychology combines the same problem: middling pay against a $31,000 debt load. None of the listed majors clears a salary that makes borrowing comfortable, so the "best" choice here is really the least-bad one.
On price, families earning under $48k pay around $9,000-$10,000 a year, and the sticker climbs sharply once you pass $48k, roughly doubling for households over $75k. If your family income is low, the out-of-pocket cost stays manageable, which softens the risk somewhat.
Lincoln makes financial sense mainly if you qualify for the lowest price tiers, are confident you'll graduate, and target Information Science or Accounting. If you'd need to borrow the full $28,875 to attend, or you're unsure about finishing, the earnings and graduation numbers say look elsewhere.
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.