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Lindenwood University vs Webster University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Saint Charles MO · vs · Private nonprofit, Saint Louis MO

The verdict

Lindenwood University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,552 in 16 years versus 43 years at Webster University, on median earnings of $53,278 vs $50,876 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLindenwood UniversityWebster University
Net price / yr$19,638$27,047
Total net cost$78,552$108,188
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,278$50,876
Median debt$26,000$23,000
Payback16 yrs43 yrs
20-year net return$19,808-$57,868

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

Which is cheaper, Lindenwood University or Webster University?

Lindenwood University, at $19,638 a year after aid versus $27,047 — a gap of $7,409 a year, or $29,636 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Lindenwood University or Webster University graduates earn more?

Lindenwood University graduates report a median $53,278 ten years after entry, $2,402 more than the $50,876 at Webster 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, Lindenwood University or Webster University?

Webster University: its completers carry a median $23,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Lindenwood University, a difference of $3,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Webster University, against 49% at Lindenwood 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.

Lindenwood University vs Webster University: frequently asked questions

Is Lindenwood University or Webster University a better value?
Lindenwood University. It clears its $78,552 net cost in about 16 years versus 43 years at Webster University, on median earnings of $53,278 vs $50,876 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lindenwood University or Webster University?
Lindenwood University: $19,638/yr net price after aid versus $27,047/yr at Webster University — a difference of $7,409 a year, or about $29,636 over four years.
Do Lindenwood University or Webster University graduates earn more?
Lindenwood University graduates earn a median $53,278 ten years after entry, versus $50,876 at Webster University — a $2,402 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.