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 gives you a solid financial return, but almost all of it rides on one program. Ten years out, the median graduate earns $78,638 against a $25,000 median debt load, so the typical borrower clears their debt in well under a year of post-graduation pay. That ratio is healthy for a private nonprofit charging $27,341 a year.
Nursing is the reason the numbers work. Registered Nursing graduates earn $83,349, roughly $34,000 more than the next-best program. If you come here for nursing, the payoff is real and the regional demand for nurses in Oregon backs it up. The business cluster tells a different story. Accounting ($49,019), Finance ($47,650), Marketing ($46,478), and General Business ($44,468) all pay in the mid-to-high $40,000s while carrying $27,000 to $28,000 in debt, higher debt than nursing for lower earnings. Those degrees leave you paying off more with less.
The specific risk here is concentration. One program carries the school's earnings profile, and a 65% graduation rate plus a 79% retention rate means one in five of you leaves after the first year, likely with debt and no degree.
The net price tiers are backwards for middle earners. If your family makes under $48,000, you pay around $24,000. if you make $75,000 to $110,000, you pay $28,268, and above $110,000 you pay $32,957. The steepest jump hits the $75,000-$110,000 band, where aid thins out fast but the sticker still stings.
Come here for nursing and the math works in your favor. If you plan to major in business and your family lands in the middle-income squeeze, price out the return carefully before committing, because the earnings do not clearly justify the debt.
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.