Radford University vs University of Lynchburg: which has better ROI?
Radford University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $58,312 in 10.8 years versus 11.1 years at University of Lynchburg, on median earnings of $53,739 vs $56,380 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Radford University | University of Lynchburg |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $14,578 | $22,235 |
| Total net cost | $58,312 | $88,940 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,739 | $56,380 |
| Median debt | $24,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 10.8 yrs | 11.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $49,268 | $71,460 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Radford University or University of Lynchburg?
Radford University, at $14,578 a year after aid versus $22,235 — a gap of $7,657 a year, or $30,628 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Radford University or University of Lynchburg graduates earn more?
University of Lynchburg graduates report a median $56,380 ten years after entry, $2,641 more than the $53,739 at Radford 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, Radford University or University of Lynchburg?
Radford University: its completers carry a median $24,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Lynchburg, 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?
57% of students finish at University of Lynchburg, against 49% at Radford 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.