Lincoln University Admission

ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, Financial Aid & More

Lincoln University Blue Tiger
Lincoln University Blue Tiger. jennlynndesign / Flickr
by Allen Grove
Dr. Allen Grove is an Alfred University English professor and a college admissions expert with 20 years of experience helping students transition to college.
Updated October 05, 2017

Lincoln University Admissions Overview:

Lincoln University has open admissions, which means that almost all interested students will be able to attend. Students will still need to submit an application--more information about that can be found on the school's website, or by contacting the admissions office.

Admissions Data (2016):

  • Percent of Applicants Admitted: Lincoln University has open admissions. Students must have a high school diploma or GED diploma. Out-of-state applicants need a 2.0 or higher GPA. Students must also submit ACT or SAT scores.

Lincoln University Description:

Located in Jefferson City, Missouri, Lincoln University is a comprehensive, public, historically black university (note that today less than half of the student population identifies as black or African American). Columbia is about a half hour to the north, and St. Louis is two hours to the east. Lincoln students come from 36 states and over 30 countries. The school was founded in 1866 by Civil War soldiers and officers. Today students can choose from 50 undergraduate degree programs, and academics are supported by a 15 to 1 student / faculty ratio. At the graduate level, the university offers master's degree programs in business, education, and social sciences.

Lincoln takes pride in its learner-centered approach to education, and the school works to place students in internships with both local and national employers. Student life is active with over 50 clubs and organizations including religious groups, performing arts ensembles, and academic honor societies.

The university also has a fraternity and sorority system. High achieving students should look into Lincoln's Honors Program for access to small interdisciplinary classes as well as special research and travel opportunities. In athletics, the Lincoln University Blue Tigers compete in the NCAA Division II Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). The schools fields five men's and six women's intercollegiate sports. The women's track team has had notable success in recent years.

Enrollment (2016):

  • Total Enrollment: 2,738 (2,618 undergraduates)
  • Gender Breakdown: 43% Male / 57% Female
  • 71% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

  • Tuition and Fees: $7,042 (in-state); $13,432 (out-of-state)
  • Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
  • Room and Board: $6,560
  • Other Expenses: $3,052
  • Total Cost: $17,654 (in-state); $24,044 (out-of-state)

Lincoln University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 96%
  • Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
    • Grants: 88%
    • Loans: 93%
  • Average Amount of Aid
    • Grants: $7,223
    • Loans: $6,405

Academic Programs:

  • Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Agriculture, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Liberal Studies, Social Work

    Retention and Graduation Rates:

    • First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 47%
    • Transfer-out Rate: 46%
    • 4-Year Graduation Rate: 9%
    • 6-Year Graduation Rate: 22%

    Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

    • Men's Sports: baseball, basketball, football, golf, track and field
    • Women's Sports: basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, softball, tennis

    Data Source:

    National Center for Educational Statistics

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