Linfield University combines accessible 87.9% admission rates with 95th percentile earnings performance. As an Opportunity Builder institution, the university generates $21,519 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining open enrollment policies that support diverse student success across business, education, and health sciences programs.
With top-tier performance, driven by strong earnings outcomes relative to educational investment
As modestly below average, with higher net costs partially offset by strong earning potential
Modestly below average enrollment of low-income students compared to similar institutions
The balance between moderate access and strong outcomes
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisLinfield University combines accessible admission with exceptional return on investment outcomes. Graduates earn $21,519 beyond expectations relative to similar students nationwide, ranking in the 95.0th percentile for earnings uplift performance.
Median earnings reach $78,638 ten years after enrollment, placing Linfield in the 93rd percentile nationally. These earnings significantly exceed the peer median of $50,412 by $28,226 annually, demonstrating strong value creation relative to comparable institutions.
Students seeking strong post-graduation earnings at a small, accessible private college. Best suited for those prioritizing career outcomes over selectivity, particularly in business, education, or digital marketing fields.
The open admission policy makes it ideal for students who may not qualify for more selective institutions but still want robust earning potential.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Linfield University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/linfield-university/analysis.
Top-tier return on investment performance
Linfield University demonstrates top-tier performance in return on investment, ranking in the 95.6th percentile nationally despite its open access admission policy. Located in McMinnville, Oregon, this small private nonprofit university admits 87.9% of applicants while delivering exceptional post-graduation outcomes.
Linfield enrolls 28.3% Pell-eligible students and 30.3% first-generation students, reflecting solid accessibility for diverse student populations. Graduates earn $21,519 beyond expectations compared to similar students, placing Linfield in the 95.0th percentile nationally for earnings uplift.
Median earnings reach $78,638 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 93rd percentile nationally. This combination of accessible admission, moderate access for low-income students, and strong economic outcomes positions Linfield University as an Opportunity Builder institution, where open enrollment policies support solid career advancement for graduates across various backgrounds.
Linfield University admits 87.9% of applicants, meaning roughly 9 in 10 applicants receive admission offers. This open access approach places Linfield among the most accessible private universities in the United States.
The peer median admission rate of 75.6% shows that Linfield admits students at significantly higher rates than comparable institutions, with 12.3 percentage points higher acceptance rates. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, creating opportunities for diverse student populations who might face challenges at more selective institutions.
Students should view Linfield as a strong foundation choice when building college lists, particularly those seeking accessible admission combined with demonstrated career outcomes. The open admission policy reflects the institution's commitment to broad educational access while maintaining academic standards through other mechanisms.
For students concerned about admission uncertainty at highly selective schools, Linfield represents a reliable pathway to quality higher education with proven post-graduation results.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
189 graduates
Banking and Financial Support Services.
16 graduates
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.
13 graduates
Digital Marketing.
20 graduates
Communication and Media Studies, Other.
17 graduates
Linfield University offers five bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult and Continuing Education ranks #37 nationally and #1 in Oregon, graduating 25 students with median earnings of $50,492 and an impressive value score of 83.5.
Digital Marketing ranks #124 nationally and #3 in Oregon, producing 20 graduates earning $57,052 with a value score of 43.6. Business Administration and Management ranks #305 nationally and #3 in Oregon, graduating 27 students with median earnings of $43,512.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #180 nationally and #2 in Oregon, with 21 graduates earning $34,856. Psychology ranks #344 nationally and #4 in Oregon, graduating 24 students with median earnings of $20,140.
All five programs represent flagship offerings at the institution, reflecting concentrated expertise across business, education, health sciences, and social sciences disciplines.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Linfield University's published cost of attendance reaches $63,825 per year, including $49,530 in tuition, $14,060 for room and board, and $200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $27,341 after financial aid, representing savings of $36,484 from the sticker price.
This net price positions Linfield $5,529 higher than the peer median of $21,812, indicating above-average costs relative to comparable institutions. The substantial financial aid contribution reduces the published price by 57.2%, though families still face higher net costs than typical for similar private institutions.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $24,625 for the lowest-income families to $32,957 for the highest-income families. This progressive pricing structure reflects targeted financial aid that makes the institution more accessible to lower-income students while maintaining revenue from higher-income families.
The cost structure requires careful financial planning, particularly given the strong earning outcomes that can justify the investment over time.
Linfield University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time, with median income rising from $70,643 at six years to $73,550 at eight years and $78,638 at ten years after enrollment. This represents 11.3% growth from the six-year to ten-year mark, indicating consistent career advancement.
These outcomes are based on robust cohorts of 915 graduates at six years, 1,064 at eight years, and 1,097 at ten years, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $21,519 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Linfield in the 95.0th percentile for value-added performance.
Low-income graduates earn $58,100, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility across diverse student backgrounds. Earnings span from $49,821 at the 25th percentile to $111,142 at the 75th percentile, a 2.2:1 ratio reflecting program diversity and varied career trajectories.
Approximately 24.3% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xavier University Of Louisiana Similar quality tier (#469 ranked) | LA | 74% | $52,184 | #469 | Compare |
King University Similar quality tier (#470 ranked) | TN | 54% | $59,831 | #470 | Compare |
Trinity College Similar quality tier (#464 ranked) | CT | 34% | $90,779 | #464 | Compare |
Albizu University-San Juan Similar quality tier (#472 ranked) | PR | 100% | $41,544 | #472 | Compare |
Kettering University Similar quality tier (#460 ranked) | MI | 79% | $94,823 | #460 | Compare |