Linfield University
Linfield University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Linfield University at a Glance
Linfield University is a private liberal arts college with campuses in McMinnville, and Portland, Oregon. Linfield Wildcats athletics participate in the NCAA Division III Northwest Conference. Linfield reported a total of 1,755 students after the fall 2022 census date. The institution officially changed its name from Linfield College to Linfield University in 2020.
1858
168 years old
$128M
$128.4 million (2025)
1,726
1,672 undergrad · 55 grad
130
193 acres
Identity
Is Linfield University Worth It?
Linfield University offers moderate value at $26,536/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $78,638, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Linfield University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #15 of 76 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 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #2 | Dominican University | 75 | $11,745 | $60,327 |
| #3 | Baptist Health Sciences University | 75 | $11,212 | $72,529 |
| #4 | Kalamazoo College | 68 | $19,072 | $65,590 |
| #5 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #6 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #15 | Linfield University | 50 | $26,536 | $78,638 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Linfield University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in OR.
Best Programs at Linfield University
The highest-earning program at Linfield University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $79,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $20,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Linfield University earns $79,300, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $20,100. 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: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $23,485 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,536/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 | $79,300 | $79,300 | $23,485 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $46,200 | $46,200 | $27,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $45,600 | $45,600 | $27,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $41,900 | $41,900 | $25,000 |
| Marketing | $39,300 | $39,300 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,300 | $38,300 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $26,700 | $26,700 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $20,100 | $20,100 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in OR
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- McMinnville, OR
- Student Body
- 1,621 students
- Admission Rate
- 85%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,536
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $78,638
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000