University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Lynchburg at a Glance
The University of Lynchburg, formerly Lynchburg College, is a private university associated with the Christian Church and located in Lynchburg, Virginia, United States. It has approximately 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students. The university's campus spans 264 acres. Although the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, it has been on "warning" since 2024.
1903
123 years old
$141M
$140.75 million (2025)
2,592
1,792 undergrad · 800 grad
159
Identity
Is University of Lynchburg Worth It?
At a value score of 38/100, University of Lynchburg is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,380 — 5% above average — while paying $22,235/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 60% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 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 University of Lynchburg has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Lynchburg compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #10 of 33 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 | William Jewell College | 54 | $17,562 | $59,268 |
| #2 | Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science | 54 | $19,622 | $66,111 |
| #3 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #4 | St. Francis College | 43 | $18,129 | $58,099 |
| #5 | Spring Arbor University | 41 | $19,353 | $51,732 |
| #6 | Walla Walla University | 41 | $23,329 | $61,885 |
| #10 | University of Lynchburg | 38 | $22,235 | $56,380 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Lynchburg's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at University of Lynchburg
The highest-earning program at University of Lynchburg is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,400/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Lynchburg earns $56,400, while a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate earns $56,400. 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 $28,250 in median debt vs. $28,250 for Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,235/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 | $56,400 | $56,400 | $28,250 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lynchburg, VA
- Student Body
- 1,577 students
- Admission Rate
- 43%
- Graduation Rate
- 60%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,235
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,380
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000