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 gives you a middling financial return. At just over $18,500 a year net price and a median debt of $26,000, you graduate carrying real money against median earnings of about $53,000 ten years out. That's workable, but the 50% graduation rate is the number that should worry you: half the people who enroll don't finish, and dropping out with debt and no degree is the worst outcome here.
Your major matters a lot at this school. Criminology bachelor's grads earn the most, near $60,000, which fits the Saint Charles and greater St. Louis market for law enforcement and public safety work. Computer and information sciences pays close behind at around $56,600 while keeping debt under $24,000, making it the strongest cost-to-earnings pick on the list. Accounting and chemistry sit lower, both under $47,000, so if you go that route your payoff is slower even though the degree still leads to steady work.
The main risk is finishing. A 73% retention rate means more than a quarter of first-year students don't return for year two, and combined with the 50% grad rate, your odds of walking away without a degree are high enough to take seriously before you enroll.
On price, the tiers are compressed. If your family earns under $30,000 you pay about $14,600. if you earn over $110,000 you pay about $20,700. That's only a $6,000 spread across the whole income range, so lower-income families get some help but not deep discounting.
This school fits you if you're set on criminology or computer science and confident you'll graduate. If you're undecided or shaky on finishing, the debt-to-completion math argues for a cheaper or higher-completion option.
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.