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
Earnings Distribution
How Lindenwood University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lindenwood University | $47,821 | $56,644 | +18% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia | $55,999 | $68,404 | +22% |
| Avila University | $47,530 | $65,226 | +37% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis | $48,928 | $54,470 | +11% |
| Columbia College | $48,329 | $54,280 | +12% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Business/Commerce bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles | $21,100 | $47,821 | $56,644 | $31,000 | 0.65 |
 University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia | $14,130 | $55,999 | $68,404 | $21,500 | 0.38 |
 University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis | $13,440 | $48,928 | $54,470 | $21,538 | 0.44 |
 University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City | $11,988 | $48,603 | $53,997 | $21,853 | 0.45 |
 Columbia CollegeColumbia | $24,326 | $48,329 | $54,280 | $28,100 | 0.58 |
 Avila UniversityKansas City | $38,672 | $47,530 | $65,226 | $32,750 | 0.69 |
| National Median | — | $47,506 | — | $26,000 | 0.55 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/commerce graduates
Sales Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Construction Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Chief Executives
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.