At $12,912/yr net price, Lincoln University graduates earn $43,167/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,167/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,912 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,648 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,167/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,167/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 52.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $28,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,585/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,666/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,623/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,201/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,615/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $48,667 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Human Services, General. | Master | $46,966 | $27,573 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $44,384 | $28,000 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $36,852 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $32,500 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $32,687 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $30,000 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $29,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
The Risk Factor
52.1% of students at Lincoln 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 University offers weak financial returns that make it difficult to justify for most students. With median 10-year earnings of $43,167 and typical debt loads of $28,250, you'll face a challenging debt-to-income ratio that limits your financial flexibility after graduation.
Your best bet financially is teacher education, where graduates earn $48,667 annually, or special education at $47,260. These programs provide the strongest pathway to covering your debt payments while building a stable career. Human services and computer science offer moderate returns, though the computer science program carries the same debt burden as higher-paying alternatives elsewhere.
Avoid journalism at Lincoln University. Graduates earn just $36,852 annually while carrying similar debt loads, creating a problematic financial equation that takes years longer to resolve.
The 52% graduation rate signals significant academic risk. Nearly half of students who start at Lincoln University never finish, meaning you could accumulate debt without earning a degree. The 70% retention rate shows many students recognize early that the school isn't working for them.
Lincoln University works financially only if you're committed to teaching careers and value the low sticker price of $12,912 annually. The school serves students who need an affordable entry point into education fields and can't access better programs elsewhere.
If you're considering other majors or have stronger academic credentials, look at Pennsylvania state schools with higher graduation rates and better earnings outcomes. Lincoln University's combination of weak completion rates and modest graduate earnings creates unnecessary financial risk for most career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Lincoln University's relatively low net price of $12,912 per year helps offset below-average graduate earnings of $43,167. The 52% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't finish their degrees, which significantly impacts ROI for those who don't graduate.
What are the highest paying majors at Lincoln University?
Teacher education graduates earn around $48,667 annually, making it the best-paying program at Lincoln University. Special education and human services majors also see decent returns at $47,260 and $46,966 respectively, while journalism graduates earn significantly less at $36,852.
How much student debt do Lincoln University graduates typically have?
Lincoln University graduates carry a median debt of $28,250, which is manageable given the school's low cost. However, with average earnings of $43,167, graduates will likely spend several years paying off loans.
Does Lincoln University provide good financial aid to students?
Lincoln University's net price of $12,912 suggests decent financial aid availability, making the school affordable for many students. The low sticker price reduces the need for extensive borrowing compared to more expensive institutions.