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's ROI is weak. Ten years after starting, your median earnings land near $43,000, while your median debt sits close to what you'd earn in a good chunk of a year. That gap is the core problem here: the debt is real and the paycheck it buys is modest.
The major you pick decides everything at this school. Computer and Information Sciences is the only listed bachelor's program that clears $44,000, and even then you carry $28,000 in debt to get there. Everything else drops fast. Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates earn around $32,500 but leave with $32,500 in debt , a dollar of debt for every dollar of first-decade earnings. Health Sciences and Business Administration graduates earn near $30,000 while owing $32,000 and $30,000 respectively. Those three programs do not pay off relative to what you borrow. Journalism sits in the middle at $36,852 with no debt figure listed.
The specific risk here is finishing at all. Only 52% of you graduate, and 30% don't return after the first year. If you borrow, don't finish, and still owe the debt, you get the loan without the degree , the worst financial outcome at any school.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay roughly $11,600 a year. Cross into the $75,000-$110,000 band and the price jumps to $18,201 , the highest of any tier, and more than families earning over $110,000 pay.
Lincoln fits you if you enroll in Computer and Information Sciences, come from a family under $48,000, and are confident you'll finish. If you're aiming at criminal justice, business, or health sciences and plan to borrow the full amount, look at cheaper options or programs with stronger earnings.
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.