Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lindenwood University at a Glance
Lindenwood University is a private university in St. Charles, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1832 by George Champlin Sibley and Mary Easton Sibley as The Lindenwood School for Girls, it is the second-oldest higher-education institution west of the Mississippi River. Lindenwood offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through nine colleges and schools. Its enrollment was 6,992 students in 2021. The main academic and residential campus is located 24 miles (39 km) northwest of St. Louis, Miss…
1832
194 years old
$204M
$204 million (2021)
6,826
4,663 undergrad · 2,163 grad
500 acres
Identity
Is Lindenwood University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Lindenwood University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,278 — 1% below average — while paying $19,638/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% 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 Lindenwood University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lindenwood University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #14 of 37 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 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #2 | Augustana College | 53 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| #3 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #4 | Berry College | 43 | $22,320 | $53,800 |
| #5 | Cedarville University | 42 | $24,468 | $55,443 |
| #6 | Brigham Young University-Hawaii | 42 | $16,774 | $52,064 |
| #14 | Lindenwood University | 34 | $19,638 | $53,278 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lindenwood 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 Lindenwood University
The highest-earning program at Lindenwood University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $53,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $24,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from Lindenwood University earns $53,700, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $24,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $31,250 in median debt vs. $25,500 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $19,638/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $53,700 | $53,700 | $31,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $44,100 | $44,100 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $43,300 | $43,300 | $29,315 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $42,900 | $42,900 | $29,250 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $37,300 | $37,300 | $32,687 |
| Marketing | $33,300 | $33,300 | $22,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $31,300 | $31,300 | $27,150 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $31,000 | $31,000 | $29,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $30,700 | $30,700 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $30,200 | $30,200 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $30,100 | $30,100 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $29,900 | $29,900 | $27,000 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $29,500 | $29,500 | $24,562 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $28,400 | $28,400 | $26,062 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $26,400 | $26,400 | $24,000 |
| Psychology, General | $24,100 | $24,100 | $25,500 |
Similar Colleges in MO
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Saint Charles, MO
- Student Body
- 4,624 students
- Admission Rate
- 57%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $19,638
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,278
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000