At $25,610/yr net price, Lipscomb University graduates earn $55,541/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,541/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $25,610 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $102,440 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,541/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,541/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $21,886/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,642/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,820/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,322/yr |
| $110,001+ | $30,873/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $119,716 | $269,705 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $79,473 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $70,456 | |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Master | $66,077 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $63,005 | $41,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $21,082 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,512 | $25,506 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $54,697 | $23,732 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $53,080 | $25,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,107 |
The Risk Factor
68.7% of students at Lipscomb University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lipscomb University offers solid financial returns for most graduates, though your major choice will determine whether you see strong gains or struggle to break even. The school's Nashville location provides access to Tennessee's growing healthcare, business, and education sectors.
Pharmacy graduates earn the highest returns at nearly $120,000 annually, but you'll carry $270,000 in debt to get there. This program works financially only if you're committed to high-earning pharmacy careers. Business and accounting majors see more reasonable debt loads around $20,000 to $41,000 while still earning $63,000 to $70,000 starting out. Education administration graduates do well at $79,000, benefiting from Tennessee's teacher shortage and administrative demand.
Your biggest financial risk is the relatively low graduation rate at 69 percent. Dropping out means you'll carry debt without the degree needed for better-paying jobs. The 86 percent retention rate suggests most students who stay past freshman year will finish.
Lipscomb works best financially if you're targeting business, healthcare, or education careers and can take advantage of Nashville's job market. The school makes less sense if you're considering lower-earning liberal arts majors or if you're uncertain about your career direction.
Only 21 percent of students receive need-based aid, suggesting most families pay close to full price. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning major and leveraging internship opportunities in Nashville to secure job offers before graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lipscomb University worth the cost?
Lipscomb's value depends heavily on your major. Pharmacy graduates earn $119,716 annually, making the $25,610 yearly cost worthwhile, but most other programs lead to modest earnings around $55,541 with below-average graduation rates at 69%.
What are the best paying majors at Lipscomb University?
Pharmacy leads at $119,716 annually, followed by educational administration at $79,473 and accounting at $70,456. Most other business programs hover around $63,000-$66,000, which barely justifies the tuition cost.
How much debt do Lipscomb University graduates have?
The median debt is $19,500, which is manageable for pharmacy and education graduates but risky for typical business majors earning $55,541. The 31% who don't graduate often carry debt without a degree to show for it.
Does Lipscomb University have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes vary dramatically by program. Pharmacy graduates do well, but the overall 10-year earnings of $55,541 are modest for a private university costing $25,610 annually.