Location: Saint Charles, MO•In-State Tuition: $21,100•Admission Rate: 66%•Avg SAT: 1120
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$46,583
Est. from MO median (5 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$24,102
Est. from national median (155 programs)

Analysis

Based on comparable economics programs across Missouri, graduates here can expect starting earnings around $47,000—right at the state median but nearly $5,000 below the national benchmark of $52,000. This positions Lindenwood's program in the middle tier of Missouri schools, well behind Washington University's $66,000 but competitive with larger public universities like Mizzou and UMSL.

The estimated debt load of $24,000 creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. While the debt figure is slightly above Missouri's median for economics programs ($19,800), it remains reasonable enough to pay down within standard repayment timelines. Similar programs nationally carry comparable debt levels, suggesting this financing structure is typical for bachelor's economics degrees.

The real question is trajectory. Economics degrees often unlock higher-paying opportunities after gaining work experience, but we can't verify whether Lindenwood's program provides the credential strength to compete for those positions. If your child is interested in economics and plans to stay in Missouri, this program offers solid middle-ground value. However, if they're aiming for competitive finance or consulting roles where school reputation matters, the lower starting salary compared to flagship state schools might reflect weaker employer connections or alumni networks. Consider whether the specific career outcomes justify choosing Lindenwood over programs with proven track records.

Where Lindenwood University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally

Lindenwood University (estimated ±10%)Other economics programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (18 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles$21,100$46,583*—$24,102*—
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis$62,982$66,325*$80,729$14,110*0.21
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia$14,130$52,635*$61,213$18,815*0.36
University of Missouri-St LouisSaint Louis$13,440$46,583*$64,281$22,962*0.49
Missouri State University-SpringfieldSpringfield$9,024$44,898*$65,293$19,793*0.44
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg$9,739$41,076*$59,303$25,056*0.61
National Median—$51,722*—$22,816*0.44
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Data Managers

Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Statisticians

Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Biostatisticians

Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.

$104,350/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

$76,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Survey Researchers

Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.

$63,380/yrJobs growth:Master's degree
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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.