Lindsey Wilson University
Lindsey Wilson University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lindsey Wilson University at a Glance
Lindsey Wilson University is a private, United Methodist-related university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 as a training school, the university now offers in-person and online degree programs, offered at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
1903
123 years old
$64M
$64 million (2017)
2,590
2,144 undergrad · 446 grad
Identity
Is Lindsey Wilson University Worth It?
At a value score of 28/100, Lindsey Wilson University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,129 — 24% below average — while paying $15,070/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 41% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 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 Lindsey Wilson University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lindsey Wilson University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KY
Ranked #73 of 211 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 | Berea College | 100 | $6,106 | $43,150 |
| #2 | College of the Ozarks | 100 | $6,100 | $41,592 |
| #3 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #4 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #5 | Aquinas College | 48 | $16,626 | $49,584 |
| #6 | Monmouth College | 46 | $17,133 | $51,110 |
| #73 | Lindsey Wilson University | 28 | $15,070 | $41,129 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lindsey Wilson University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in KY.
Best Programs at Lindsey Wilson University
The highest-earning program at Lindsey Wilson University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $52,900/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $24,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Lindsey Wilson University earns $52,900, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $24,400. 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: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,070/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 | $52,900 | $52,900 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $29,700 | $29,700 | $26,915 |
| Human Services, General | $26,000 | $26,000 | $17,250 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $25,200 | $25,200 | $24,375 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $24,400 | $24,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in KY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Columbia, KY
- Student Body
- 1,585 students
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,070
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,129
- Median Student Debt
- $16,784