Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Lincoln University

Lincoln University's nursing program generates first-year earnings of $66,592—below both the national median ($74,888) and Missouri's average ($68,874). While the 11th percentile nationally sounds alarming, the 40th percentile ranking within Missouri reveals something important: this is a typical performer among Missouri schools, not an outlier. The state's nursing market simply pays less than many other regions, and Lincoln reflects that reality while serving a population where 46% of students receive Pell grants.

The debt load of $28,500 is essentially average for nursing programs, resulting in a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio. A graduate earning $66,592 can realistically handle this debt burden, especially given nursing's stable employment prospects. The gap to consider is opportunity cost—top Missouri programs like Chamberlain ($83,188) and Research College of Nursing ($75,705) deliver substantially higher starting salaries, potentially $9,000-$16,000 more annually.

For families prioritizing access and affordability, Lincoln provides a legitimate entry point to nursing careers with reasonable debt. However, if your child can gain admission to higher-ranked Missouri nursing programs, the salary difference could outweigh any tuition savings within just a few years of graduation.