Degree Dividend
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Belmont University vs Lincoln Memorial University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Nashville TN · vs · Private nonprofit, Harrogate TN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Belmont University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $132,588 in 17.5 years versus 51.1 years at Lincoln Memorial University, on median earnings of $55,930 vs $49,956 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureBelmont UniversityLincoln Memorial University
Net price / yr$33,147$20,406
Total net cost$132,588$81,624
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,930$49,956
Median debt$20,500$20,000
Payback17.5 yrs51.1 yrs
20-year net return$18,812-$49,704

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Belmont University or Lincoln Memorial University?

Lincoln Memorial University, at $20,406 a year after aid versus $33,147 — a gap of $12,741 a year, or $50,964 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Belmont University or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?

Belmont University graduates report a median $55,930 ten years after entry, $5,974 more than the $49,956 at Lincoln Memorial University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Belmont University or Lincoln Memorial University?

Lincoln Memorial University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $20,500 at Belmont University, a difference of $500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

71% of students finish at Belmont University, against 50% at Lincoln Memorial University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Belmont University vs Lincoln Memorial University: frequently asked questions

Is Belmont University or Lincoln Memorial University a better value?
Belmont University. It clears its $132,588 net cost in about 17.5 years versus 51.1 years at Lincoln Memorial University, on median earnings of $55,930 vs $49,956 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Belmont University or Lincoln Memorial University?
Lincoln Memorial University: $20,406/yr net price after aid versus $33,147/yr at Belmont University — a difference of $12,741 a year, or about $50,964 over four years.
Do Belmont University or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?
Belmont University graduates earn a median $55,930 ten years after entry, versus $49,956 at Lincoln Memorial University — a $5,974 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.