Business/Commerce at Lindenwood University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Lindenwood University's business program delivers solid earnings that outpace both national and Missouri medians, ranking in the 60th percentile among Missouri business programs. With first-year graduates earning $47,821—nearly matching the national median of $47,506—students get competitive outcomes without the premium debt load typical of many business programs.
The debt picture is particularly attractive. At $31,000, graduates carry significantly more debt than Missouri's median of $22,732, but substantially less than the national median of $26,000 for business programs. This puts Lindenwood in the 23rd percentile nationally for debt—meaning 77% of business programs saddle students with more debt. The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, and earnings grow a healthy 19% by the fourth year, reaching $56,644.
While Lindenwood doesn't compete with Missouri's flagship campus in Columbia ($55,999), it holds its own against other regional options and costs less upfront than most business programs nationally. For families seeking a business degree with reasonable debt and reliable earnings growth, this represents a practical choice that balances cost with career outcomes.
Where Lindenwood University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/commerce bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Lindenwood University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Lindenwood University graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 51th percentile of all business/commerce bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lindenwood University | $47,821 | $56,644 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 |
| Columbia College | $48,329 | $54,280 | $28,100 | 0.58 |
| Avila University | $47,530 | $65,226 | $32,750 | 0.69 |
| National Median | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Other Business/Commerce Programs in Missouri
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Missouri schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia | $14,130 | $55,999 | $21,500 |
| University of Missouri-St Louis Saint Louis | $13,440 | $48,928 | $21,538 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City | $11,988 | $48,603 | $21,853 |
| Columbia College Columbia | $24,326 | $48,329 | $28,100 |
| Avila University Kansas City | $38,672 | $47,530 | $32,750 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Lindenwood University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 323 graduates with reported earnings and 366 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.