Lincoln University
Lincoln University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Lincoln University Worth It?
At a value score of 11/100, Lincoln University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $39,463 — 27% below average — while paying $19,092/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 22% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $28,875 representing 73% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lincoln University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lincoln University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #105 of 107 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #105 | Lincoln University | 11 | $19,092 | $39,463 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Lincoln University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MO.
Best Programs at Lincoln University
The highest-earning program at Lincoln University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $29,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $22,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Lincoln University earns $29,200, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $22,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $32,375 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,092/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,200 | $29,200 | $32,375 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $26,600 | $26,600 | $40,219 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $22,600 | $22,600 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Jefferson City, MO
- Student Body
- 1,392 students
- Graduation Rate
- 22%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,092
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $39,463
- Median Student Debt
- $28,875