Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,695/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,695/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 75.0% |
The Risk Factor
75.0% of students at Lincoln University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 25% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lincoln University in Oakland gives you a middling financial return with a specific catch: with no Pell Grant recipients enrolled, this is not a school built to serve low-income families, and the sticker price falls on households that can pay a large share themselves. The $53,695 median earnings ten years out sits close to the national midpoint for a bachelor's, so the payoff is real but modest, not a windfall.
The 100% retention and 75% graduation rate are the strongest numbers here. You are very likely to come back after your first year and finish, which removes the biggest financial risk in higher education: paying for credits without ever earning the degree. Dropping out with debt and no credential is what sinks most college investments, and Lincoln's completion record cuts that risk sharply.
No bachelor-level program salary data is listed, so treat any single major's payoff as unknown. Choose a field where the earnings clearly cover your borrowing, and confirm the numbers for that specific program before you enroll.
The main risk is cost exposure. As a private nonprofit with no Pell students, Lincoln's net price is likely set for families who can absorb it, and $53,695 in median pay leaves limited room to service heavy loans. Borrow conservatively.
This school fits you if you can pay much of the cost without large loans and you value the near-certainty of finishing. Check the net price tier for your income band directly. if aid does not bring the number down to something your expected earnings can repay, a cheaper public option will give you a stronger return for the same degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lincoln University worth the cost?
Lincoln University graduates earn $53,695 annually 10 years after enrollment, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a 75% graduation rate, the school performs reasonably well at helping students complete their degrees, but the earnings data suggests limited financial return on investment.
What is the average salary after graduating from Lincoln University?
Lincoln University graduates earn an average of $53,695 per year 10 years after starting college. This figure falls short of what many graduates need to justify their educational investment, particularly if they carry substantial student loan debt.
Does Lincoln University have good job placement rates?
While Lincoln University has a solid 75% graduation rate, the relatively low average earnings of $53,695 suggest that job placement quality may be an issue. Graduates appear to find work but often in lower-paying positions compared to other universities.
Should I take out loans to attend Lincoln University?
Given that Lincoln University graduates earn $53,695 on average, borrowing significant amounts could create financial hardship after graduation. Students should carefully calculate whether their expected debt payments will be manageable on this salary level.