Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University is a private nonprofit university in Saint Charles, MO ranked #1295 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 4,624 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 56.8%. Students most often pursue Computer and Information Sciences and Chemistry.
Day to day, students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, 65.6% first-year retention, and 49.3% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $19,638, about $2,640 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -41.8%, roughly 127.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,711. That's about $2,023 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Lindenwood University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lindenwood University graduates 49.3% of students within six years and keeps 65.6% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lindenwood University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $21,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,700 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,002 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $35,436 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 30.0% of Lindenwood University students receive Pell Grants — slightly below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $15,678 to $23,821 depending on family income. Use Lindenwood University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,760/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,821/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,711
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,711
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.3%
- Employment Rate 92.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lindenwood University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lindenwood University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lindenwood University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lindenwood University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lindenwood University graduates earn $45,711 median, the -41.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-28
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 4,624
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 65.6%
- Graduation Rate 49.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 14:1
How to Get Into Lindenwood University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lindenwood University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 56.8%, Lindenwood University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 56.8% acceptance rate, Lindenwood University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lindenwood University undergraduates. Business/Commerce, General, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business/Commerce, General 17.3%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 8.2%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 5.2%
- Psychology, General 4.5%
- Marketing 4.2%
- Human Resources Management and Services 4.0%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 3.6%
- Biology, General 3.6%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Computer and Information Sciences, General $91,421
- 2. Chemistry $80,526
- 3. Business/Commerce, General $68,819
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $67,018
- 5. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $66,965
- 6. Accounting and Related Services $64,473
- 7. Finance and Financial Management Services $64,201
- 8. Marketing $60,204
- 9. Human Resources Management and Services $58,437
- 10. Health and Medical Administrative Services $56,921
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $99,320
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $87,732
- 3. Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degree) $83,131
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $79,808
- 5. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $78,375
- 6. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $65,659
- 7. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $65,048
- 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $64,955
- 9. Criminology (Master's Degree) $59,517
- 10. Communication and Media Studies (Master's Degree) $57,392
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Computer and Information Sciences, General grads earn $91,421—61% more than Health and Medical Administrative Services ($56,921). Graduate: Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs lead with $99,320 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lindenwood University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 143 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree, 117 graduates)
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degree, 100 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 78 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 63 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (40 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Public Health
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- History
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Chemistry
- Computer Systems Analysis
- Social Work
- International Business
- Political Science and Government
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Economics
- Literature
- English Language and Literature, General
- Sociology
- Dance
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Philosophy
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Music
- Journalism
- Statistics
- Anthropology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Fire Protection
- Public Administration
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Human Services, General
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Online Master's Degrees (15 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Marketing
- International Business
- Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Management Information Systems and Services
- History
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Music
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Curriculum and Instruction
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (7 programs)â–¼
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Geography and Cartography
- International Business
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,624
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 39.7%
- Female Students 60.3%
- Caucasian 62.9%
- Asian 1.6%
- Hispanic 5.3%
- Black 13.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 30.0%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lindenwood University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lindenwood University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lindenwood University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lindenwood University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 60.3% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lindenwood University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lindenwood University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lindenwood University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -41.8% ROI. Ranked #1295 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $19,638 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $45,711 median earnings. With 49.3% graduating within six years and 65.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lindenwood University's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1295 ranking, Lindenwood University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $19,638 annually, Lindenwood University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 65.6% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $13,747 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -41.8% ROI and $45,711 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $9,638+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lindenwood University ranks #1295 of 1942 institutions, with 803 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 49.3% six-year graduation rate sits 13.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 65.6% first-year retention is 11.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -41.8% return on investment is 127.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,711 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $19,638 is roughly $380 lower than the national median of $20,018.
Helpfulness for Students
- 14:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 65.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 92.4% employment rate within three years sits 24.2 points above national outcomes.
- Pell participation at 30.0% trails the national share by 4.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Lindenwood University is a private nonprofit university based in Saint Charles, MO and earns a B- overall grade. It is currently ranked #1295 nationally Category results include Completion (B-), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (B), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
65.6% of learners come back after year one while 49.3% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -41.8% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $19,638 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $35,436.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $15,798 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 30.0% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $45,711 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 5% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 92.4% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -41.8%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
56.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lindenwood University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Saint Charles, MO 63301-1695
- Website www.lindenwood.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$188.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate28.4%