At $27,341/yr net price, Linfield University graduates earn $78,638/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $44,638/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,341 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $109,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $78,638/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$44,638/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,625/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,985/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,378/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,268/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,957/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $83,349 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,019 | $28,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,650 | $27,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $46,478 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $44,468 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Certificate | $44,170 | |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $41,441 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $34,856 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.2% of students at Linfield University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Linfield University delivers solid financial returns for students who choose the right major and graduate on time. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, with graduates earning $83,349 annually against just $25,000 in median debt. This creates an excellent debt-to-income ratio that justifies the $27,341 annual net price.
Business majors face a tougher financial picture. Accounting graduates earn $49,019 yearly, while finance and marketing majors see starting salaries in the mid-$40,000s. These earnings barely justify the debt load when you factor in Oregon's cost of living and the time value of money during four years of college expenses.
The 65% graduation rate creates real financial risk. If you don't finish your degree, you'll carry debt without the earning power to service it effectively. The 79% retention rate suggests many students struggle with the academic or financial demands after freshman year.
Linfield makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing or can secure substantial merit aid to reduce that net price. The school's location in Oregon's Willamette Valley provides access to Portland's job market, which helps nursing and some business graduates find well-paying positions.
Only 28% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting the school expects families to pay most costs out of pocket. If you need significant financial assistance or are considering a lower-earning major like general business, you should explore state schools or institutions with stronger aid packages. The math simply doesn't work for many students at Linfield's current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Linfield University worth the cost?
Linfield University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $83,349 annually, making the $27,341 yearly cost worthwhile, but business majors averaging $44,468-49,019 face a tougher financial picture with limited earning potential relative to debt.
What are the best paying majors at Linfield University?
Nursing programs at Linfield University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $83,349 per year. Business-related majors like accounting ($49,019) and finance ($47,650) provide moderate returns but significantly trail nursing programs.
How much debt do Linfield University graduates have?
Linfield University graduates leave with a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable for nursing majors but creates financial pressure for business graduates earning in the mid-40s. The 65% graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without finishing their degree.
Does Linfield University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $27,341 annually, Linfield University's financial aid brings costs down from the full sticker price but still leaves students paying substantial amounts. The aid package quality varies significantly based on family income and academic performance.