About Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University builds careers through hands-on learning and competitive athletics. The 4,748-student campus in Saint Charles emphasizes practical business education and boasts 26 varsity sports programs. Notable graduates include Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas and MLB pitcher Brad Lidge, reflecting the university's dual focus on academics and athletics.
Students pay an average net price of $18,516 after financial aid, making this private education accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $53,278 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt reaches $26,000. The employment rate hits 96.6%, suggesting strong career preparation despite the moderate 50.3% six-year graduation rate. Monthly loan payments average $276, manageable given graduate earning potential.
The Lions compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Ohio Valley Conference, with 678 student-athletes receiving over $8 million in athletic scholarships. The student body is 58% female and draws from across state lines, with 45% coming from outside Missouri. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention, while the Four-One-Four calendar system includes an intensive January term for focused study or internships.
Students pay an average net price of $18,516 after financial aid, making this private education accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median of $53,278 ten years after graduation, while typical student debt reaches $26,000. The employment rate hits 96.6%, suggesting strong career preparation despite the moderate 50.3% six-year graduation rate. Monthly loan payments average $276, manageable given graduate earning potential.
The Lions compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Ohio Valley Conference, with 678 student-athletes receiving over $8 million in athletic scholarships. The student body is 58% female and draws from across state lines, with 45% coming from outside Missouri. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention, while the Four-One-Four calendar system includes an intensive January term for focused study or internships.
Academics & Faculty
Lindenwood operates as a full university that emphasizes career-focused education over traditional liberal arts. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 50% six-year graduation rate suggests students need to be self-motivated to succeed. Business programs form the academic backbone, preparing students for immediate workforce entry rather than graduate school preparation. The university also maintains strong teacher education and communications programs. With 4,748 students, classes remain manageable but the institution lacks the research opportunities of larger universities. Students here value practical skills training over theoretical exploration. The academic environment suits career-oriented students who want direct paths to employment rather than extensive intellectual exploration.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.3%
- Retention Rate
- 73.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,278
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $71,575 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $69,338 |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $59,883 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $58,092 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,197 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,439 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $49,918 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
Campus Life
Saint Charles sits 20 miles west of St. Louis, giving students access to internships and entertainment without big-city costs. With housing capacity for 2,541 students and total enrollment of 4,748, about half the student body lives on campus. Missouri weather means you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid August move-in.
The Lions compete in 26 varsity sports with 678 total athletes, creating a campus where athletic events draw crowds most weekends. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name in smaller classes. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for intensive courses or study abroad. Students often head to St. Louis for Cardinals games or explore the Missouri River trail system. Campus traditions center around Lion pride, with strong school spirit at basketball and football games. The business programs emphasize hands-on learning, reflected in the 96.6% employment rate after graduation.
The Lions compete in 26 varsity sports with 678 total athletes, creating a campus where athletic events draw crowds most weekends. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name in smaller classes. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for intensive courses or study abroad. Students often head to St. Louis for Cardinals games or explore the Missouri River trail system. Campus traditions center around Lion pride, with strong school spirit at basketball and football games. The business programs emphasize hands-on learning, reflected in the 96.6% employment rate after graduation.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,541 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1827
Campus Safety (2023)
16 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 20°–39°F
- July Avg
- 67°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 84.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 26.7"
Student Demographics
The student body reflects Lindenwood's reputation as a practical, career-focused university that draws primarily from Missouri and surrounding states. About 55% of students come from in-state, showing strong regional appeal. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, which aligns with the university's emphasis on education, business, and health programs that traditionally attract more female students. The demographic mix includes a substantial number of first-generation college students. This creates a community of hardworking students focused on gaining real-world skills and launching careers rather than pursuing prestige.
- Men
- 41.9%
- Women
- 58.1%
- White
- 63.7%
- Black
- 13.5%
- Hispanic
- 4.6%
- Asian
- 1.8%
- In-State Students
- 54.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.9%
Location
Saint Charles sits 20 miles northwest of St. Louis, giving students access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a small-city feel. The town of 70,000 residents along the Missouri River offers a historic downtown district and outdoor recreation opportunities. With 54.71% of students coming from Missouri, many appreciate the blend of suburban comfort and urban proximity. The location provides internship and job opportunities in St. Louis's corporate sector while keeping housing costs reasonable at $10,800 for room and board. The Missouri River corridor offers hiking trails and parks popular with the student body. Students considering colleges in Missouri may also compare Lindenwood University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Charles, Missouri 63301-1695
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $53,278
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,906
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 52.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lindenwood University?
Lindenwood University accepts 74% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1023-1230 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on admitting students ready for practical career preparation.
How much does Lindenwood University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,516 after aid, lower than the $33,300 sticker price. Only 29% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves primarily middle-class families seeking affordable private education.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lindenwood University?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 among the 4,748 enrolled students. This allows for personalized attention in programs known for strong business education and hands-on learning approaches.
What do graduates of Lindenwood University earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $53,278 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $276. The 96.6% employment rate reflects the university's emphasis on practical career preparation and industry connections.
Where is Lindenwood University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Saint Charles, Missouri, a small city setting with housing for 2,541 students. About 73% of freshmen return for sophomore year, suggesting students appreciate the close-knit community atmosphere.
Does Lindenwood University have strong athletics programs?
Lindenwood fields 26 varsity sports in NCAA Division I with 678 total athletes receiving $8.1 million in athletic scholarships. The Lions compete in the Ohio Valley Conference and have produced notable alumni like Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas and MLB pitcher Brad Lidge.
