Shenandoah University vs University of Lynchburg: which has better ROI?
University of Lynchburg has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,940 in 11.1 years versus 12 years at Shenandoah University, on median earnings of $56,380 vs $58,433 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Shenandoah University | University of Lynchburg |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $30,298 | $22,235 |
| Total net cost | $121,192 | $88,940 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,433 | $56,380 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $27,000 |
| Payback | 12 yrs | 11.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $80,268 | $71,460 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Shenandoah University or University of Lynchburg?
University of Lynchburg, at $22,235 a year after aid versus $30,298 — a gap of $8,063 a year, or $32,252 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Shenandoah University or University of Lynchburg graduates earn more?
Shenandoah University graduates report a median $58,433 ten years after entry, $2,053 more than the $56,380 at University of Lynchburg. 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, Shenandoah University or University of Lynchburg?
Shenandoah University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Lynchburg, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at Shenandoah University, against 57% at University of Lynchburg. 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.