Missouri State University-Springfield vs Lindenwood University: which has better ROI?
Lindenwood University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,552 in 16 years versus 48 years at Missouri State University-Springfield, on median earnings of $53,278 vs $49,827 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Missouri State University-Springfield | Lindenwood University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,613 | $19,638 |
| Total net cost | $70,452 | $78,552 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $49,827 | $53,278 |
| Median debt | $21,992 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 48 yrs | 16 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$41,112 | $19,808 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Missouri State University-Springfield or Lindenwood University?
Missouri State University-Springfield, at $17,613 a year after aid versus $19,638 — a gap of $2,025 a year, or $8,100 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Missouri State University-Springfield or Lindenwood University graduates earn more?
Lindenwood University graduates report a median $53,278 ten years after entry, $3,451 more than the $49,827 at Missouri State University-Springfield. 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, Missouri State University-Springfield or Lindenwood University?
Missouri State University-Springfield: its completers carry a median $21,992 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Lindenwood University, a difference of $4,008. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
58% of students finish at Missouri State University-Springfield, 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.