Computer Software and Media Applications at Lindenwood University

Lindenwood's software program graduates earn $37,365 four years out—notably below both the Missouri state median of $43,112 and the national benchmark of $38,234. More concerning, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Missouri's five software programs, meaning three-quarters of comparable in-state options deliver stronger earnings. When the top program in the state (Northwest Missouri State) produces graduates earning $51,790, that's a $14,000 annual gap that compounds significantly over a career.

The debt picture offers some relief: $25,717 is manageable with a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio, and graduates are seeing modest 9% earnings growth through year four. Still, starting at $34,433 in a field where entry-level positions typically pay much more raises questions about either job placement success or the types of roles graduates are securing. The moderate sample size suggests these results are reasonably representative of the typical graduate experience.

For Missouri families paying in-state tuition, this is a straightforward calculation: you're likely better off exploring other state schools that have proven track records of stronger outcomes in this field. The debt won't be crushing, but you're potentially leaving substantial earnings on the table from day one.