University of Missouri-St Louis vs Lindenwood University: which has better ROI?
University of Missouri-St Louis has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $60,284 in 12.9 years versus 16 years at Lindenwood University, on median earnings of $53,037 vs $53,278 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Missouri-St Louis | Lindenwood University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,071 | $19,638 |
| Total net cost | $60,284 | $78,552 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $53,037 | $53,278 |
| Median debt | $20,000 | $26,000 |
| Payback | 12.9 yrs | 16 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $33,256 | $19,808 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Missouri-St Louis or Lindenwood University?
University of Missouri-St Louis, at $15,071 a year after aid versus $19,638 — a gap of $4,567 a year, or $18,268 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 Missouri-St Louis or Lindenwood University graduates earn more?
Lindenwood University graduates report a median $53,278 ten years after entry, $241 more than the $53,037 at University of Missouri-St Louis. 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 Missouri-St Louis or Lindenwood University?
University of Missouri-St Louis: its completers carry a median $20,000 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Lindenwood University, a difference of $6,000. 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 Missouri-St Louis, 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.