Union University vs Lincoln Memorial University: which has better ROI?
Union University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $108,684 in 19.3 years versus 51.1 years at Lincoln Memorial University, on median earnings of $53,990 vs $49,956 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Union University | Lincoln Memorial University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $27,171 | $20,406 |
| Total net cost | $108,684 | $81,624 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,990 | $49,956 |
| Median debt | $20,714 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 19.3 yrs | 51.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $3,916 | -$49,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Union University or Lincoln Memorial University?
Lincoln Memorial University, at $20,406 a year after aid versus $27,171 — a gap of $6,765 a year, or $27,060 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Union University or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?
Union University graduates report a median $53,990 ten years after entry, $4,034 more than the $49,956 at Lincoln Memorial 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, Union University or Lincoln Memorial University?
Lincoln Memorial University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $20,714 at Union University, a difference of $714. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
66% of students finish at Union University, against 50% at Lincoln Memorial 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.