At $20,187/yr net price, University of Lynchburg graduates earn $56,380/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,380/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,187 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,748 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,380/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,380/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,308/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,432/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,594/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,490/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $70,296 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,770 | |
| Criminology. | Bachelor | $33,459 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $32,925 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
The Risk Factor
61.6% of students at University of Lynchburg graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Lynchburg offers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The rehabilitation and therapeutic professions program delivers strong earnings at $70,296 annually, making it one of the better ROI options among Virginia private colleges. Nursing graduates also see solid returns at $57,770, both programs justifying the school's $20,187 net price.
However, several popular majors show concerning financial outcomes. Education majors earn just $32,925 despite similar debt loads, while communication and media studies graduates average only $31,133. Criminology falls in the middle at $33,459 but still leaves graduates with limited earning power relative to their investment.
The school's 61.6% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly four in ten students don't complete their degrees, yet still accumulate debt. The 75.85% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles cause many to transfer or drop out after freshman year.
University of Lynchburg makes financial sense if you're pursuing rehabilitation services or nursing, where strong regional healthcare demand supports higher salaries. The school's location in central Virginia provides access to hospital systems and rehabilitation facilities that actively hire graduates from these programs.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering education, communications, or criminology unless you have specific career connections or family funding. The low percentage of students receiving aid (27.31%) suggests limited need-based assistance, making merit scholarships critical for affordability. Focus your application energy on academic scholarships, as the school's selectivity level means strong students can often negotiate better packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Lynchburg worth the cost?
University of Lynchburg's ROI depends heavily on your major. Rehabilitation therapy graduates earn $70,296 annually, making the $27,000 median debt manageable, but education and media studies majors earn around $32,000, creating tougher financial prospects.
What are the best paying majors at University of Lynchburg?
Rehabilitation and therapeutic professions lead at $70,296 annually, followed by nursing at $57,770. These healthcare programs offer the strongest return on investment at the school.
How much debt do University of Lynchburg graduates have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is reasonable for healthcare majors but problematic for lower-paying fields like education ($32,925) and media studies ($31,133). Only 61.6% of students graduate, meaning many leave with debt but no degree.
Does University of Lynchburg have good financial aid?
The net price of $20,187 per year is below the national average for private colleges. However, with a 95.94% acceptance rate, the school admits almost everyone, so merit aid may be limited for average students.