At $18,516/yr net price, Lindenwood University graduates earn $53,278/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,278/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,516 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,278/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,278/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,581/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,129/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,960/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,796/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,715/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $71,575 | $21,701 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $69,338 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $59,883 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $58,092 | $32,728 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,641 | $23,343 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $52,107 | $32,070 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,197 | $29,829 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $50,439 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $49,918 | $30,750 |
| Fire Protection. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
The Risk Factor
50.3% of students at Lindenwood 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
Lindenwood University delivers solid financial returns for tech and business majors but struggles with graduation rates that undermine your investment. The $53,278 median earnings after ten years represent reasonable value against the $18,516 annual net price, particularly if you complete your degree.
Computer and information technology programs offer the strongest ROI, with administration and management graduates earning $71,575 while carrying just $21,701 in debt. Business and criminology also pay off well, though general business majors face higher debt loads at $32,728. These programs benefit from strong demand in the St. Louis metropolitan area's growing tech and corporate sectors.
The major financial risk lies in Lindenwood's 50% graduation rate. Half of students never finish, making this a poor choice if you struggle with academic consistency or lack strong support systems. The 73% retention rate signals many students recognize problems early but still leave money on the table.
You should consider Lindenwood if you plan to study technology, business, or criminal justice and have demonstrated academic success. The relatively low debt burden makes it manageable even for middle-income families. Skip this school if you need extensive academic support or are undecided about your major, since the completion rates suggest many students cannot handle the requirements successfully.
Only 29% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial assistance for lower-income families. Merit scholarships exist but require strong academic credentials. Your best financial strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning programs and maintaining enrollment to graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lindenwood University worth the cost?
Lindenwood University graduates earn a median of $53,278 ten years after graduation with typical debt around $26,000, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio. However, the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their degree, making completion crucial for seeing any return on investment.
What are the best paying majors at Lindenwood University?
Computer/Information Technology Administration leads at $71,575 annually, followed by Educational Administration at $69,338. General business and computer science majors earn around $56,000-58,000, while criminology graduates make about $59,883.
How much debt do Lindenwood University graduates have?
Typical graduates leave Lindenwood University with $26,000 in student debt. This debt level is reasonable compared to the median starting earnings, though students who don't graduate still carry debt without the degree benefits.
Does Lindenwood University have good job outcomes after graduation?
Lindenwood graduates earn above-average salaries in technology and education fields, but the university's 50% graduation rate indicates many students struggle to complete their programs. Job outcomes depend heavily on choosing high-demand majors and actually finishing the degree.