Lipscomb University vs Union University: which has better ROI?
Lipscomb University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $98,956 in 13.8 years versus 19.3 years at Union University, on median earnings of $55,541 vs $53,990 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Lipscomb University | Union University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,739 | $27,171 |
| Total net cost | $98,956 | $108,684 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,541 | $53,990 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $20,714 |
| Payback | 13.8 yrs | 19.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $44,664 | $3,916 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Lipscomb University or Union University?
Lipscomb University, at $24,739 a year after aid versus $27,171 — a gap of $2,432 a year, or $9,728 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Lipscomb University or Union University graduates earn more?
Lipscomb University graduates report a median $55,541 ten years after entry, $1,551 more than the $53,990 at Union 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, Lipscomb University or Union University?
Lipscomb University: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,714 at Union University, a difference of $1,214. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
72% of students finish at Lipscomb University, against 66% at Union 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.