Choosing the right college can feel like standing at a crossroads. You’ve got your options laid out, but picking the perfect fit is a big decision. If you’re trying to decide between Lindenwood University and Maryville University, I’ve got you covered. Both schools are located in Missouri and offer strong programs, but they have their own vibes, strengths, and quirks. Let’s break down what you need to know to make the best choice.
A Quick Snapshot
| Feature | Lindenwood University | Maryville University |
|---|---|---|
| Location | St. Charles, Missouri | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Student Population | ~7,000 (undergrad & grad) | ~10,000 (undergrad & grad) |
| Tuition (2023-2024) | ~$19,300/year | ~$27,800/year |
| Mascot | Leo the Lion | Louie the Saint |
| Popular Majors | Business, Education, Performing Arts | Healthcare, Cybersecurity, Business |
| Sports Division | NCAA Division II | NCAA Division II |
Location Vibes: Small Town vs. City Life
One of the first things to think about is the location. Lindenwood is in St. Charles, a charming, historic town that’s a bit quieter. You’ve got cobblestone streets, cute little shops, and a slower pace. It’s a good fit if you’re looking for a more laid-back college experience but still want to be close to a bigger city (St. Louis is just about 30 minutes away).
On the other hand, Maryville sits in St. Louis, which gives you more of that big city vibe. You’ve got access to the museums, restaurants, concerts, and sports games of a major metro area. If you’re someone who loves the hustle and bustle, St. Louis offers tons of things to do right at your fingertips.
Ask yourself: Do you want the charm of a small town or the buzz of a city? This could be the deciding factor!
Student Life and Campus Culture
Lindenwood University is known for its tight-knit community. With around 7,000 students, you’ll get to know a lot of people, and it’s easier to feel like a part of the crowd. If you’re into performing arts, Lindenwood is a hotspot, with strong theater and dance programs. They also have a pretty passionate sports culture, especially with their NCAA Division II teams. You’ll find a mix of on-campus events and organizations to keep you engaged.
Maryville University has about 10,000 students and is focused on innovation. They’ve got this tech-forward vibe with a lot of focus on cybersecurity and healthcare programs. Maryville also goes big on preparing you for real-world jobs, offering early career experiences and internships. The campus is modern, and they’re always updating their tech to keep up with industry trends.
Social Scene: Do you want a more traditional, artsy college vibe (Lindenwood) or a tech-savvy, career-focused one (Maryville)?
Academics: Which Programs Stand Out?
Here’s where the two schools start to show their strengths. Both universities have strong academics, but they shine in different areas:
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Lindenwood University is especially known for its business, education, and performing arts programs. If you’re into theater, dance, or music, Lindenwood is top-notch. Plus, they offer a wide range of business degrees, so if you’re looking to enter the corporate world, this is a solid choice.
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Maryville University, on the other hand, is a leader in healthcare, cybersecurity, and business. Their nursing and health professions programs are some of the best in the region, and their focus on cybersecurity is growing fast. If you’re thinking about a career in health or tech, Maryville might be your best bet.
Key takeaway: Lindenwood is great for creative and business-minded students, while Maryville excels in healthcare and tech.
Cost Breakdown: What’s the Damage?
We all know college can be expensive, so let’s break down the costs.
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Lindenwood University tuition is around $19,300 per year. They offer financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help bring down the cost. Lindenwood’s tuition is more affordable, making it a solid option if you’re trying to keep student debt low.
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Maryville University, on the other hand, costs about $27,800 per year. While it’s more expensive upfront, Maryville also offers strong scholarships and financial aid. Plus, the return on investment in their healthcare and tech programs can pay off quickly with higher starting salaries.
Pro tip: Don’t just look at the sticker price—consider the scholarships and the potential return on investment from your chosen field.
Sports and Extracurriculars
Both schools compete in NCAA Division II sports, so you’ll get plenty of action whether you’re playing or cheering from the stands.
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Lindenwood has strong sports programs, especially in football, rugby, and soccer. Their athletes are serious, but there’s also a big fan culture, so you’ll find a lot of students rallying around the teams. If you’re into sports or school spirit, this is a good place to be.
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Maryville also has competitive sports teams, and they’re known for their basketball and wrestling programs. While sports are important, Maryville’s focus is a bit more on academics, so you’ll notice a slightly different atmosphere.
Campus Amenities and Tech
Both schools have modern facilities, but Maryville really leans into the tech-forward environment. They’ve got smart classrooms, virtual simulations (especially in their nursing programs), and a lot of high-tech tools to prepare you for the workforce.
Lindenwood has a more traditional campus feel, with beautiful historic buildings, but they’re also investing in modern facilities for their performing arts and business students. It’s got a mix of old and new that gives it charm.
Your call: Are you more into cutting-edge tech or a mix of history and modern amenities?
Career Opportunities and Networking
Maryville University is very career-focused, and they pride themselves on setting students up for success with internships, networking events, and career counseling. If you’re looking to jump right into a job after graduation, Maryville is big on job placement and hands-on experiences.
Lindenwood University also offers career services and internships, but they’re a bit more focused on traditional education paths, especially for business, education, and the arts. You’ll still find plenty of opportunities, but the emphasis might not be as tech-driven as at Maryville.
Notable Alumni: Who’s Made It Big?
Here’s a fun one—let’s see who’s come out of these universities:
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Lindenwood University has produced a lot of successful people in the arts and business. Some notable alumni include Benjamin Hochman, a sportswriter, and Michael Johnson, a former NFL player.
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Maryville University has a reputation for producing leaders in healthcare and business. Some famous faces include Scott Schoeneweis, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, and Beth Harris, an Emmy-winning journalist.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Which school is better for tech careers?
A: Maryville University is a great choice if you’re looking to go into tech, especially cybersecurity or healthcare technology.
Q: Which one has a better campus life?
A: It depends! Lindenwood is known for its artsy, community vibe, while Maryville is more modern and tech-savvy. Both have active student organizations.
Q: How do tuition and financial aid compare?
A: Lindenwood has lower tuition, but both schools offer strong financial aid. Look at scholarships and your potential career earnings when making your decision.
Q: Which one has a better sports program?
A: Both schools have competitive Division II sports teams, but Lindenwood might have a bit more school spirit around its athletics.
Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You?
At the end of the day, the choice between Lindenwood University and Maryville University depends on what you’re looking for. Lindenwood is perfect if you want a tight-knit community, love the arts, or are looking for a more traditional college experience in a small town. On the flip side, Maryville is ideal if you’re tech-driven, want to be in a bigger city, and are focused on launching a career right after college.
Whichever you choose, both schools offer fantastic opportunities. It’s all about finding the right fit for your personality, goals, and future. Good luck!