Lindenwood University
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$84,400
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$10,711/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
7.9 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
154%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
One year after graduation, Lindenwood University students earn a median of $41,999, which is nearly double the in-state tuition cost of $21,100. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $45,711, and after ten years, earnings reach $53,278. The median debt for graduates is $26,000, and 51.8% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.62 based on the first-year earnings and median debt. This means that the debt is about 62% of the first year's income.
Based on the provided data, the break-even timeline, or the time it takes for earnings to surpass the cost of tuition, is less than one year.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$21,100
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$45,711
Graduation Rate
52%
Receive Financial Aid
52%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | $84,400 | $56,644 | 413% |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $84,400 | $42,717 | 83% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | $84,400 | $57,292 | 428% |
| Education, Other. | $84,400 | $47,912 | 206% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | $84,400 | $45,448 | 148% |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $84,400 | $69,470 | 717% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | $84,400 | $43,268 | 96% |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | $84,400 | $47,024 | 185% |
| Psychology, General. | $84,400 | $37,148 | -49% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $84,400 | $70,098 | 732% |
| Marketing. | $84,400 | $50,141 | 259% |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | $84,400 | $51,230 | 285% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.