Linfield University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Linfield University charges a net price of $26,536/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $106,144. Graduates earn a median $78,638 ten years after entry, $30,278/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 3.5 years — a 20-year net return of $499,416, a strong payback — the degree clears its cost fast. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Linfield University's 3.5-year payback ranks #232 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 82% of them, and #3 of 38 in Oregon.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $26,536/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $106,144 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $78,638 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $30,278/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $25,000 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 3.5 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | $499,416 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Linfield University's own numbers. Net price $26,536 × 4 years = $106,144 total. Median earnings $78,638 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $30,278 a year of premium. $106,144 ÷ $30,278 = 3.5 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves $499,416. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Linfield University students graduate with?
A median $25,000 in federal loans among completers, or 32% of the $78,638 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Linfield University students graduate?
70% finish their degree. Spread the $106,144 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $151,634 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Linfield University expensive compared with other Oregon colleges?
Its $26,536 net price runs $9,596 above the $16,940 median across the 38 Oregon colleges we profile, or $38,384 more across the full degree.