Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lipscomb University at a Glance
Lipscomb University is a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. It is affiliated with the Churches of Christ. The campus is located in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville; it also maintains one satellite location called "Spark" in Downtown Nashville to serve the business community. Total student enrollment for the fall 2025 semester was 4,549, which included 2,867 undergraduate students and 1,682 graduate students. Lipscomb has been rated the #5 Best College i…
1891
135 years old
$132M
$131.9 million (2025)
5,646
3,487 undergrad · 2,159 grad
238
113 acres
Identity
Is Lipscomb University Worth It?
Lipscomb University offers moderate value at $24,739/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $55,541, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 70% graduation rate means roughly 30% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Lipscomb University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #36 of 92 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 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | St. Joseph's University-New York | 56 | $19,035 | $63,905 |
| #5 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #6 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #36 | Lipscomb University | 40 | $24,739 | $55,541 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lipscomb University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in TN.
Best Programs at Lipscomb University
The highest-earning program at Lipscomb University is Accounting and Related Services at $53,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $28,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Lipscomb University earns $53,000, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $28,100. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $25,955 in median debt vs. $24,375 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,739/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,000 | $53,000 | $25,955 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $51,700 | $51,700 | $25,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,400 | $38,400 | $26,000 |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | $38,400 | $38,400 | $29,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,700 | $37,700 | $27,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $31,500 | $31,500 | $20,000 |
| Psychology, General | $28,100 | $28,100 | $24,375 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Nashville, TN
- Student Body
- 2,997 students
- Admission Rate
- 68%
- Graduation Rate
- 70%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,739
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,541
- Median Student Debt
- $19,500