About Lincoln University
Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $9,052 after financial aid, while those from higher-income families face costs up to $21,265. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $39,463 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $28,875 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $306 represents a significant portion of early-career earnings. Only about one-third of borrowers successfully repay their loans on schedule.
The student body is predominantly female at 60% and majority African American at 53%. Retention struggles persist, with only half of first-year students returning for sophomore year. The 22% six-year graduation rate reflects ongoing challenges, though the 13:1 student-faculty ratio suggests personalized attention for those who stay enrolled.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 25.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 22.1%
- Retention Rate
- 50.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,463
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,302 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $36,132 |
| Information Science/Studies. | Bachelor | $35,701 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $35,330 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $30,650 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $29,250 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,121 |
Campus Life
Campus life revolves around the Blue Tigers athletic programs and Greek organizations that have deep roots in HBCU tradition. With women making up 60% of the student body, the social scene tends to be collaborative rather than competitive. Jefferson City offers limited nightlife, so students create their own entertainment through campus events, step shows, and homecoming celebrations that bring alumni back to reconnect. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and you'll likely see the same faces at the dining hall and library. Weekend activities often center on athletic events or trips to St. Louis or Kansas City, both about two hours away.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 717 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 8 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 21°–42°F
- July Avg
- 68°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 87.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -766.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 39.8%
- Women
- 60.2%
- White
- 28.4%
- Black
- 53.2%
- Hispanic
- 3.6%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 64.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.3%
Location
- Address
- Jefferson City, Missouri 65101
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $39,463
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,789
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $306/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $28,875
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the retention rate at Lincoln University?
Lincoln University retains 50.46% of first-year students into their sophomore year. This historically black public university in Jefferson City serves 1,357 students with a close-knit campus environment. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized attention despite retention challenges.
How much does Lincoln University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lincoln University is $12,484 after financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,052 on average, while 46.30% receive Pell Grants. Missouri residents benefit from in-state tuition of $9,290 compared to $16,882 for out-of-state students.
What academic programs is Lincoln University known for?
Lincoln University built its reputation on strong programs in agriculture, education, and business. The university maintains its historical mission as Missouri's historically black public institution. With 8 varsity sports and NCAA Division II athletics, the school balances academics with competitive sports programs.
What are the graduation rates at Lincoln University?
Lincoln University has a 22.10% six-year graduation rate and 25.49% four-year graduation rate. Despite these challenges, graduates earn a median salary of $39,463 ten years after enrollment. The university's 98.7% employment rate shows strong job placement for those who complete their degrees.
Where do students live at Lincoln University?
Lincoln University houses students in on-campus facilities with a capacity of 717 beds. Room and board costs $10,552 annually in this small city setting of Jefferson City. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 53.21% Black and 28.37% White, maintaining its HBCU heritage.
How much student debt do Lincoln University graduates typically have?
Lincoln University graduates carry a median debt of $28,875 with monthly loan payments averaging $306. The loan repayment rate stands at 32.57%, reflecting post-graduation financial challenges. However, 46.65% of students take federal loans, which is typical for public universities serving diverse populations.
