Central vs. Lindenwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO with Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Central Missouri is larger than Lindenwood University based on total student enrollment (12,857 students vs. 6,826 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Central Missouri is located in Warrensburg, MO (Rural Fringe setting); Lindenwood University is in Saint Charles, MO (Small City setting).
• University of Central Missouri is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lindenwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Central Missouri 18:1; Lindenwood University 14:1.

Central vs. Lindenwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central or Lindenwood University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Central Missouri than Lindenwood University ($14,943 vs. $20,901).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Central Missouri are 8.2% lower than at Lindenwood University ($10,740 vs. $11,700).
• Lindenwood University is 114.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central (about $11,550 more per year; $21,600.00 vs. $10,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.1% higher at Lindenwood University than at University of Central Missouri (about $3,000 more per year; $21,600.00 vs. $18,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lindenwood University than at University of Central Missouri (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lindenwood University students is 87.2% larger than aid received by University of Central Missouri students ($14,626 vs. $7,811).

Central vs. Lindenwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central or Lindenwood University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lindenwood University and Central.

• Incoming Lindenwood University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Central).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLindenwood University 1023/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Central Missouri 19/25; Lindenwood University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central - Test optional; Lindenwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Lindenwood University (3.42).
• Central has a higher acceptance rate (63.8%) than Lindenwood University (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.6% at Central vs. 14.1% at Lindenwood University.

Central vs. Lindenwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central and Lindenwood University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Central Missouri's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Lindenwood University's (45%).
• Graduates from Lindenwood University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Central graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,100 vs. $41,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Central Missouri graduates have a $4,559 lower median loan debt than Lindenwood University graduates ($22,441 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Central graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lindenwood University graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Central graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lindenwood University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 58%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.