Choosing the right college can be overwhelming, especially when both options seem so great. Lindenwood University and Maryville University are two awesome schools located near St. Louis, Missouri. Both offer solid academics, great student life, and plenty of opportunities, but they also have differences that might make one a better fit for you.
Let’s break it all down—academics, campus life, sports, and more—so you can figure out which school is calling your name.
Lindenwood University vs. Maryville University: Quick Overview
Here’s a quick breakdown of the two universities:
| Feature | Lindenwood University | Maryville University |
|---|---|---|
| Location | St. Charles, MO | St. Louis, MO |
| Student Enrollment | ~7,000 | ~10,000 |
| Average Class Size | 20 | 15 |
| Acceptance Rate | 88% | 83% |
| Tuition (2024) | $19,100 | $27,166 |
| Popular Majors | Business, Education, Nursing | Nursing, Business, Cybersecurity |
| Athletics | NCAA Division II | NCAA Division II |
Academic Programs: Which University Offers What You Need?
When it comes to academics, both Lindenwood and Maryville have a lot to offer, but they focus on slightly different things.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood has a wide range of programs. Some of their most popular majors include Business, Education, and Nursing. If you’re interested in these areas, Lindenwood could be a great option for you.
One thing that stands out about Lindenwood is their hands-on learning approach. Whether you’re majoring in business or biology, they focus on giving students practical experience. So, if you like to learn by doing, Lindenwood’s got you covered.
Maryville University
Maryville, on the other hand, is known for Nursing, Cybersecurity, and Business. Their Nursing program is particularly strong, with partnerships that give students plenty of clinical experience. If you’re thinking about a future in healthcare, Maryville’s nursing program is hard to beat.
Maryville also prides itself on its innovation in education. They’ve got a lot of online degree programs, which can be a huge perk if you need flexibility in your schedule.
Student Life: What’s the Vibe on Campus?
Choosing a college isn’t just about the academics—you’ll spend the next few years living there, so it’s gotta feel like home.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood’s campus is in St. Charles, which is a bit quieter than the city life. The town has a cool historic vibe, and it’s perfect if you like having a balance between campus life and some peace and quiet. The campus itself is beautiful, with large green spaces and old buildings.
Lindenwood students are known for being close-knit. There are tons of student clubs, events, and activities to get involved in, so it’s easy to make friends. Whether you’re into intramural sports or academic clubs, you’ll find your people.
Maryville University
Maryville, located closer to downtown St. Louis, has a more urban feel. You’ve got easy access to the city’s restaurants, entertainment, and sports teams (hello, St. Louis Cardinals!). The university’s focus is more on giving students opportunities outside of the classroom, whether through internships or networking events.
Student life at Maryville is active, with lots of events, clubs, and leadership opportunities. They also have a large online student population, so it’s a bit more flexible in terms of how you engage in campus life.
Tuition and Financial Aid: What’s the Price Tag?
Let’s be real—tuition is a huge factor for most students when choosing a college.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood’s tuition for 2024 is around $19,100 per year. They also offer a ton of scholarships and financial aid, which can bring that number down. The university tries to make higher education accessible, so if you’re budget-conscious, Lindenwood is more affordable upfront.
Maryville University
Maryville’s tuition for 2024 is higher at about $27,166 per year. But don’t let that scare you off just yet—they’ve got plenty of scholarship programs, especially if you’re a high achiever or in a specific field like nursing or cybersecurity. It’s worth applying to see how much aid you can get.
Athletics: Are You a Sports Fan?
Both schools compete in NCAA Division II sports, which means you can still enjoy college athletics, but it’s not as intense as Division I schools.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood takes their sports seriously. They’ve got a ton of teams from football and basketball to soccer and lacrosse. If you’re a sports lover—whether you want to play or just cheer on your team—Lindenwood’s got a strong athletic culture.
Maryville University
Maryville also offers Division II sports, but they’re more known for their wrestling and soccer teams. If those are sports you’re passionate about, you’ll find plenty of school spirit at Maryville.
Housing: Living On or Off Campus?
Where you live can make or break your college experience, so let’s talk housing.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood offers a range of housing options, from traditional dorms to suite-style living. Most freshmen live on campus, and it’s a great way to make friends right off the bat. The campus is walkable, and there are plenty of dining options nearby.
Maryville University
Maryville’s housing options are a bit more modern. They have apartment-style dorms, which means more space and a little more privacy than the average dorm. If you like the idea of a kitchen in your room, Maryville might win you over.
Career Services and Job Opportunities
One of the most important factors when choosing a college is how well they set you up for the future. Both schools have solid career services, but they take slightly different approaches.
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood focuses heavily on internships and practical experience. They’ve got strong connections with businesses in the St. Louis area, which makes it easier to land internships during your time there. Whether you’re in marketing, education, or even theater, they’ll help you get real-world experience before you graduate.
Maryville University
Maryville’s Life Coach Program is one of its standout features. From day one, you get assigned a career coach who helps you navigate your academic and career paths. Maryville is also known for being super tech-focused, so if you’re going into fields like cybersecurity or data science, you’ll have access to cutting-edge resources and connections.
Class Sizes and Learning Experience
The size of your classes can really shape your learning experience.
Lindenwood University
At Lindenwood, the average class size is around 20 students, so you’ll get a more personal learning experience. Professors know your name, and you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd.
Maryville University
Maryville keeps things even smaller, with an average class size of 15 students. If you thrive in small, discussion-based classes, this could be a big plus for you. You’ll get a lot of direct interaction with professors, which can make for a more engaging learning experience.
FAQs About Lindenwood and Maryville
1. Which school is better for business majors?
Both schools have solid business programs, but if you prefer hands-on learning, Lindenwood might be a better fit. Maryville is great for students looking to combine business with tech or healthcare, like healthcare management or cybersecurity.
2. Is it easier to get into one school over the other?
Both schools have high acceptance rates, with Lindenwood around 88% and Maryville at 83%. So, it’s not too tough to get into either, but your personal goals and fit are what matter most.
3. Does either school offer online programs?
Yes! Maryville has a larger focus on online degrees, so if that’s important to you, they’ve got more options. Lindenwood also offers online classes, but it’s less of a core focus.
4. Which has better housing?
This really depends on your style. If you want more modern, apartment-style housing, Maryville is the way to go. If you prefer a more traditional college dorm experience, Lindenwood offers that.
Conclusion: Which School Is Right for You?
At the end of the day, it comes down to what matters most to you. If you’re looking for a tight-knit community with lots of hands-on experience, Lindenwood could be your perfect match. On the other hand, if you’re into innovation, flexibility, and a more urban setting, Maryville might just win you over.
No matter which school you choose, you’re in for a great experience. Both Lindenwood and Maryville have so much to offer, and you’ll get a solid education either way.