When deciding on a college, comparing schools can feel like a huge task, especially when both seem like good options. That’s the case when you’re looking at Lindenwood University and Maryville University. Both are located in Missouri, but each has unique features that make it stand out. So, how do you know which one is the better fit for you?
Let’s break it down and dive into what makes these schools tick. From academics to campus life, cost, and student experiences, we'll go over everything to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of Lindenwood University and Maryville University
Lindenwood University
- Location: St. Charles, Missouri
- Type: Private
- Founded: 1827
- Student Population: Around 7,000
- Popular Programs: Business, Arts, and Education
Maryville University
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Type: Private
- Founded: 1872
- Student Population: Around 10,000
- Popular Programs: Nursing, Business, and Cybersecurity
Both of these universities are private and located relatively close to each other in Missouri. Lindenwood has a slightly smaller student population, while Maryville boasts a larger, more modern campus.
Academic Programs: What Can You Study?
Lindenwood University offers a wide range of programs with strengths in Business, Arts, Education, and even Sports Management. They’ve built a reputation for hands-on learning and career-focused programs. If you’re into creative fields or want a more traditional liberal arts experience, Lindenwood might catch your eye.
Maryville University, on the other hand, is known for its cutting-edge programs, particularly in Nursing, Business, and Cybersecurity. If you’re looking for a career in healthcare or tech, Maryville is hard to beat. They’ve invested heavily in their online programs, making them a leader in flexible education options.
Table: Academic Program Comparison
| Category | Lindenwood University | Maryville University |
|---|---|---|
| Business | Strong, practical focus | Strong, known for leadership and management |
| Nursing | Available but smaller program | Major focus, well-respected |
| Arts | Strong in visual and performing arts | Available, but less of a focus |
| Technology | Growing programs, focus on media and tech | Major focus, particularly cybersecurity |
| Education | One of the top programs | Available |
Campus Life and Student Experience
College isn’t just about the classes you take; it’s about the experiences you have. So let’s talk about campus life at these schools.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood’s campus in St. Charles is historic and beautiful, with that classic college-town feel. It’s known for being very student-centered with plenty of clubs, sports teams, and student organizations. Plus, if you’re into sports, Lindenwood offers a huge variety of athletics, including a competitive Division I program.
They also have a great arts scene, with plenty of student performances and events throughout the year.
Maryville University
Maryville’s campus, located in St. Louis, has a more modern vibe. It’s great for students who want to be close to the action of a big city but still enjoy a small, close-knit campus. Maryville places a strong emphasis on student success and offers personalized support for students from day one.
They have a diverse range of student organizations and events, though they don’t have the same level of athletics as Lindenwood.
Tuition and Financial Aid: What Will It Cost?
When choosing a university, cost is a huge factor for most students. Let's look at how these schools stack up in terms of tuition and financial aid.
Lindenwood University
- Tuition: Around $18,000 per year (undergraduate)
- Room and Board: Approximately $10,500 per year
- Total Estimated Cost: $28,500 per year
Lindenwood offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid packages. They have merit-based aid for students who excel academically, as well as athletic scholarships. They also participate in the Federal Work-Study Program, which allows students to earn money while attending school.
Maryville University
- Tuition: Around $28,000 per year (undergraduate)
- Room and Board: Approximately $12,000 per year
- Total Estimated Cost: $40,000 per year
Maryville is known for its commitment to affordability, despite having a higher tuition price tag. They offer extensive financial aid, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. Maryville also promotes its Early Access program, allowing students to start graduate courses while still completing their undergraduate degree, saving time and money.
Table: Cost Comparison
| Cost | Lindenwood University | Maryville University |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $18,000 | $28,000 |
| Room and Board | $10,500 | $12,000 |
| Financial Aid | Scholarships, Grants, Loans | Scholarships, Grants, Loans |
| Work-Study Program | Yes | Yes |
Location: St. Charles vs. St. Louis
Choosing a university isn’t just about what’s on campus—location matters too. Let's compare the settings of these two schools.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood is located in St. Charles, a historic town known for its charming streets, small shops, and the Missouri River running nearby. If you’re looking for a traditional college-town feel with easy access to nature and outdoor activities, you’ll probably love Lindenwood’s location. It’s also about 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, so big-city amenities aren’t too far away.
Maryville University
Maryville is nestled in St. Louis, a much bigger city with everything from professional sports teams to world-class museums. If you want the energy of a major city while still being on a smaller campus, Maryville might be perfect for you. There’s always something going on in St. Louis, whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Online Learning Opportunities
Both schools offer online degree programs, but Maryville has really taken the lead in this area.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood offers online degrees and courses, but they are more focused on the in-person experience. If you prefer a traditional college experience with some online flexibility, Lindenwood can meet those needs.
Maryville University
Maryville has made a name for itself in online education. They have fully online degrees in everything from Nursing to Cybersecurity and even an MBA program. The best part? Their online programs are designed to be flexible and accessible for working students or those who need more flexibility.
Extracurriculars and Athletics
Extracurricular activities can make a big difference in your college experience. Whether you're into sports, clubs, or just hanging out with friends, both universities have plenty to offer.
Lindenwood University
- Athletics: Division I and a huge variety of sports teams
- Clubs: Over 80 student organizations
- Arts: Strong theater and performing arts scene
- Greek Life: Available, but smaller
Maryville University
- Athletics: Division II, with fewer sports teams than Lindenwood
- Clubs: Focus on academic, career-oriented clubs
- Arts: Available, but less of a focus
- Greek Life: Not available
If you’re a serious athlete or love the idea of school spirit and big sports events, Lindenwood is your school. Maryville is more focused on academics and career prep, so its extracurriculars are a bit more low-key.
FAQs
1. Which university is better for business majors?
Both schools have strong business programs, but Maryville is slightly more career-focused, with an emphasis on leadership and management skills. Lindenwood offers a broader business curriculum with practical, hands-on learning experiences.
2. Is Lindenwood cheaper than Maryville?
Yes, Lindenwood is more affordable when comparing tuition and room/board costs. However, both schools offer financial aid, which can significantly lower the cost.
3. Which school has a better campus atmosphere?
If you want a traditional college-town experience, go with Lindenwood. If you prefer a more modern, city-adjacent campus, Maryville may be a better fit.
4. Does Maryville have better online programs?
Yes, Maryville University is well-known for its high-quality, flexible online degree programs, particularly in healthcare and technology fields.
5. Which school has more athletic opportunities?
Lindenwood University has a stronger athletic program, with a wide range of sports and a competitive Division I program.
Conclusion: Which University Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between Lindenwood University and Maryville University comes down to what you value most in your college experience. If you’re looking for a school with a strong sense of tradition, plenty of athletics, and a classic campus vibe, Lindenwood is a great choice. But if you prefer a more modern campus, top-notch online programs, and career-focused academics, Maryville might be the better fit.
Think about what you want your college experience to be like—from academics to extracurriculars and location. Whichever school you choose, both Lindenwood and Maryville offer great opportunities to learn, grow, and have an amazing college experience.