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Lindenwood University vs Westminster College: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Lindenwood University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,552 in 16 years versus 25.3 years at Westminster College, on median earnings of $53,278 vs $52,199 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureLindenwood UniversityWestminster College
Net price / yr$19,638$24,314
Total net cost$78,552$97,256
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,278$52,199
Median debt$26,000$27,000
Payback16 yrs25.3 yrs
20-year net return$19,808-$20,476

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

Which is cheaper, Lindenwood University or Westminster College?

Lindenwood University, at $19,638 a year after aid versus $24,314 — a gap of $4,676 a year, or $18,704 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 Westminster College graduates earn more?

Lindenwood University graduates report a median $53,278 ten years after entry, $1,079 more than the $52,199 at Westminster College. 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 Westminster College?

Lindenwood University: its completers carry a median $26,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Westminster College, a difference of $1,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

55% of students finish at Westminster College, 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 Westminster College: frequently asked questions

Is Lindenwood University or Westminster College a better value?
Lindenwood University. It clears its $78,552 net cost in about 16 years versus 25.3 years at Westminster College, on median earnings of $53,278 vs $52,199 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Lindenwood University or Westminster College?
Lindenwood University: $19,638/yr net price after aid versus $24,314/yr at Westminster College — a difference of $4,676 a year, or about $18,704 over four years.
Do Lindenwood University or Westminster College graduates earn more?
Lindenwood University graduates earn a median $53,278 ten years after entry, versus $52,199 at Westminster College — a $1,079 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.