University of Memphis vs Lincoln Memorial University: which has better ROI?
Lincoln Memorial University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $81,624 in 51.1 years versus 506 years at University of Memphis, on median earnings of $49,956 vs $48,458 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Memphis | Lincoln Memorial University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,397 | $20,406 |
| Total net cost | $49,588 | $81,624 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,458 | $49,956 |
| Median debt | $23,300 | $20,000 |
| Payback | 506 yrs | 51.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$47,628 | -$49,704 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Memphis or Lincoln Memorial University?
University of Memphis, at $12,397 a year after aid versus $20,406 — a gap of $8,009 a year, or $32,036 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Memphis or Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn more?
Lincoln Memorial University graduates report a median $49,956 ten years after entry, $1,498 more than the $48,458 at University of Memphis. 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, University of Memphis or Lincoln Memorial University?
Lincoln Memorial University: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $23,300 at University of Memphis, a difference of $3,300. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
51% of students finish at University of Memphis, 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.