Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences at Lindenwood University

Similar programs across Missouri suggest first-year earnings around $36,400 with debt near $26,250—a 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio that falls squarely in the middle for this field. While these estimates come from peer institutions rather than Lindenwood's specific graduates, they track closely with national benchmarks for health services bachelor's degrees, suggesting this program operates in line with typical outcomes for the credential.

The challenge becomes clearer when you compare Lindenwood's estimated performance to Missouri's top programs with reported data. Missouri State graduates average $44,400 in their first year—about $8,000 more than what comparable programs suggest for Lindenwood. Even University of Central Missouri, at $33,700, provides actual outcomes data rather than estimates. For a field where specific certifications and clinical connections matter tremendously, choosing a program without transparent graduate outcomes means accepting significant uncertainty about your return.

The debt load itself isn't alarming at just over $26,000, and the 0.72 ratio suggests manageable payments if earnings materialize as estimated. But parents should press Lindenwood directly about why graduate data isn't available: Is the program too new? Too small? Has it changed recently? Without knowing which health services concentration your student would pursue—respiratory therapy, health administration, and medical lab science produce vastly different earnings—you're essentially betting on an average that may not apply to your child's actual path.