Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lincoln Memorial University at a Glance
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a private university in Harrogate, Tennessee, United States. Its 1,000-acre (4.0 km2) main campus borders on Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. As of fall 2023, it had 1,668 undergraduate and 4,413 graduate and professional students. LMU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
1897
129 years old
$55M
$55.1 million (2024)
6,081
1,668 undergrad · 4,413 grad
310
1,000 acres
Identity
Is Lincoln Memorial University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Lincoln Memorial University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,956 — 7% below average — while paying $20,406/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lincoln Memorial University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lincoln Memorial University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #36 of 100 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Holy Family University | 72 | $13,143 | $62,235 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #5 | Daemen University | 48 | $18,693 | $61,808 |
| #6 | Saint Vincent College | 45 | $23,510 | $59,982 |
| #36 | Lincoln Memorial University | 32 | $20,406 | $49,956 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lincoln Memorial University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 8 in TN.
Best Programs at Lincoln Memorial University
The highest-earning program at Lincoln Memorial University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $47,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $26,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Lincoln Memorial University earns $47,300, while a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate earns $26,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,406/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $47,300 | $47,300 | $21,439 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $26,100 | $26,100 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Harrogate, TN
- Student Body
- 1,572 students
- Admission Rate
- 63%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,406
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,956
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000