About Lincoln Memorial University
Lincoln Memorial University carries the legacy of Abraham Lincoln into its modern mission of educating health professionals and first-generation college students. The university enrolls 1,487 students in the foothills of eastern Tennessee, where it has operated since 1897. Nearly 70% of students are women, reflecting the school's strength in nursing, veterinary medicine, and other health sciences programs. The 78% acceptance rate welcomes students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere, with average SAT scores of 1086 showing the university's commitment to opportunity over exclusivity.
Students pay an average net price of $17,999 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,956 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,000. The monthly loan payment of $212 represents a manageable burden for healthcare professionals entering stable career fields. Over 97% of graduates find employment, suggesting the practical training translates to job market success.
The Railsplitters compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports, with 432 student-athletes receiving over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means personal attention, though the 54% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their programs on time.
Students pay an average net price of $17,999 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,956 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $20,000. The monthly loan payment of $212 represents a manageable burden for healthcare professionals entering stable career fields. Over 97% of graduates find employment, suggesting the practical training translates to job market success.
The Railsplitters compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports, with 432 student-athletes receiving over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means personal attention, though the 54% six-year graduation rate indicates many students struggle to finish their programs on time.
Academics & Faculty
Lincoln Memorial University built its reputation around health sciences and veterinary medicine in the Appalachian foothills. The school's veterinary program draws students nationwide, while nursing and other health professions dominate enrollment. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for professors to know students personally. The 53% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenging nature of many programs here. Students get hands-on training through clinical partnerships and the on-campus veterinary teaching hospital. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills over theoretical study. Many graduates enter healthcare fields directly after finishing their degrees. Faculty often come from professional practice rather than pure academic backgrounds.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.9%
- Retention Rate
- 69.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,956
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $98,551 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $98,403 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Doctoral | $58,673 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Doctoral | $56,087 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $55,422 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $54,613 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $52,733 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $51,077 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $48,265 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $47,863 |
Campus Life
Lincoln Memorial sits in the mountains of southeastern Tennessee, about two hours from Knoxville. You'll need a winter coat for the cold mountain winters and layers for unpredictable spring weather. With housing capacity for 1,145 students and total enrollment of 1,487, roughly three-quarters of students live on campus. The small-town setting of Harrogate means campus life revolves around dorms, dining halls, and student activities.
Women make up 69% of the student body, creating a female-dominated social environment. The Railsplitters compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports with 432 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus culture. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, expect small classes where professors know your name. Weekends often center around athletic events, outdoor activities in the Appalachian foothills, or trips to nearby Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The mountain setting attracts students who enjoy hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation. Greek life and campus organizations provide social outlets in this tight-knit community where 51% of students come from Tennessee.
Women make up 69% of the student body, creating a female-dominated social environment. The Railsplitters compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports with 432 total athletes, making athletics a visible part of campus culture. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, expect small classes where professors know your name. Weekends often center around athletic events, outdoor activities in the Appalachian foothills, or trips to nearby Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The mountain setting attracts students who enjoy hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation. Greek life and campus organizations provide social outlets in this tight-knit community where 51% of students come from Tennessee.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,145 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1897
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 6 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–43°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 7.9"
Student Demographics
Lincoln Memorial draws students primarily from Tennessee and surrounding Appalachian regions, reflecting its strong local reputation in healthcare education. Women make up over two-thirds of the student body, driven by the university's prominent nursing and health sciences programs. The school serves a mix of first-generation college students and traditional learners from working-class backgrounds across the rural South. Most students are white and come from families earning modest incomes, aligning with the university's mission to provide accessible professional education in underserved mountain communities.
- Men
- 31.0%
- Women
- 69.0%
- White
- 77.3%
- Black
- 4.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.1%
- Asian
- 2.4%
- In-State Students
- 51.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.4%
Location
Harrogate sits in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, about 60 miles north of Knoxville. The town has fewer than 5,000 residents and serves as a gateway to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Lincoln Memorial University's 1,487 students make up nearly a third of the local population. The campus overlooks the historic Cumberland Gap, where Daniel Boone's Wilderness Road once carried settlers westward. With 51% of students coming from in-state, many are drawn to the small-town atmosphere nestled in Appalachian foothills. The remote setting offers outdoor recreation but limited urban amenities. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Lincoln Memorial University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Harrogate, Tennessee 37752-8231
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,956
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,194
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $212/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lincoln Memorial University?
Lincoln Memorial University accepts 78.48% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1086. The school takes a well-rounded approach to admissions, welcoming students who show potential beyond just test scores.
How much does Lincoln Memorial University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lincoln Memorial University is $17,999 after aid, though families earning under $30,000 typically pay just $14,423. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,000 and monthly loan payments of $212.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lincoln Memorial University?
Lincoln Memorial University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,487 total students. The small class sizes reflect the school's commitment to personalized attention in its health sciences and professional programs.
What are the graduation rates at Lincoln Memorial University?
Lincoln Memorial University graduates 53.90% of students within six years and retains 69.34% from freshman to sophomore year. Graduates earn a median salary of $49,956 ten years after graduation with a 97.7% employment rate.
Where is Lincoln Memorial University located and what is campus life like?
Lincoln Memorial University sits in Harrogate, Tennessee, a small town near the Kentucky border with housing for 1,145 students. The campus serves 69% women and 31% men, creating a close-knit community atmosphere in the Appalachian foothills.
Does Lincoln Memorial University have strong athletics programs?
Lincoln Memorial University fields 19 varsity sports in NCAA Division II with 432 total athletes known as the Railsplitters. The school awards $4,453,317 in athletic scholarships and competes in the South Atlantic Conference.
