Lincoln University: 80.6% Acceptance Rate

80.6%Acceptance

$12,512Tuition

1,712Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$43,167Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Lincoln University

Lincoln University carries the distinction of being one of America's oldest historically black colleges and universities, tracing its roots to 1854. The 1,712 students on this suburban Pennsylvania campus follow in the footsteps of transformative figures like Thurgood Marshall, the first Black Supreme Court Justice, and celebrated poet Langston Hughes. This small university has long been a launching pad for leaders who shaped American history and culture.

Students pay an average net price of $12,912 after financial aid, with 66% receiving Pell Grants. Graduates earn a median of $43,167 ten years after leaving, while carrying typical debt of $28,250 with monthly payments around $299. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially considering the university's legacy of opening doors for underrepresented students.

Women make up 66% of the student body, while 83% of students identify as Black. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit academic community. About half of students graduate within four years, and 70% return for their sophomore year. Lincoln competes in NCAA Division II athletics with nine varsity sports, awarding over $1 million in athletic scholarships to 266 student-athletes.

Academics & Faculty

Lincoln University is one of America's oldest historically black universities, founded in 1854 and known for producing groundbreaking leaders like Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and poet Langston Hughes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that's crucial for student success. However, the 48.85% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need extra time to complete their degrees. Lincoln has historically excelled in liberal arts education, pre-professional programs, and teacher preparation. The university's legacy of nurturing African American intellectuals and professionals continues today, though students should expect to work closely with faculty and advisors to stay on track academically given the graduation challenges many face.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 48.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.1%
Retention Rate: 70.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $43,167
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$48,667
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$47,260
Human Services, General.	Master	$46,966
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$44,384
Journalism.	Bachelor	$36,852
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$32,569
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$30,228
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$30,047
Human Services, General.	Bachelor	$28,598
Sociology.	Bachelor	$26,933

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

Lincoln University sits in a small Pennsylvania town about 45 minutes southwest of Philadelphia. With housing capacity for 1,714 students and total enrollment of 1,712, nearly everyone lives on campus during their college years. The close-knit campus creates a family atmosphere where students know each other across class years.

Pennsylvania winters require a good coat, while spring and fall offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities between the historic brick buildings. Women make up 66% of the student body, creating a active campus culture centered around sisterhood and academic support. As one of America's oldest HBCUs, founded in 1854, Lincoln maintains deep traditions including homecoming celebrations that draw alumni from across generations. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress personally.

Weekend life revolves around campus events, NCAA Division II athletics, and trips to nearby Philadelphia for shopping and entertainment. With 83% of students being Black, Lincoln provides a culturally affirming environment where students can focus on academics without facing the isolation common at predominantly white institutions.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 1,714 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1926

Campus Safety (2023)

46 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	7	5
Rape	6	6
Aggravated Assault	6	5
Fondling	4	3
Domestic Violence	2	1
Burglary	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 22°–38°F
July Avg: 64°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.4"
Annual Snowfall: 18.1"

Student Demographics

Lincoln University draws students who value its deep HBCU heritage and affordable education. With 83% of students identifying as Black, the campus maintains its historic mission of serving African American students. Two-thirds of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to making education accessible to first-generation and lower-income families. Women outnumber men two to one, a common pattern at HBCUs where female enrollment traditionally runs higher. Nearly 60% of students come from out-of-state, showing Lincoln's national reputation despite its small size of just 1,712 students.

Men: 34.0%
Women: 66.0%
White: 0.6%
Black: 83.2%
Hispanic: 6.5%
Asian: 0.1%
In-State Students: 41.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 66.3%

Location

Lincoln University sits in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 45 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The campus occupies 422 acres in Chester County's rolling countryside. Nearly 59% of students come from out-of-state, drawn to this historic setting between major East Coast cities. The surrounding area blends suburban development with preserved farmland and wooded hills. Students can reach Philadelphia by car in under an hour for internships and cultural opportunities. The campus itself creates a close-knit community atmosphere with its 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Baltimore and Washington DC lie within a two-hour drive, expanding career prospects for graduates. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Lincoln University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lincoln University, Pennsylvania 19352-0999

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $43,167
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,469
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 31.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $299/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $28,250

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lincoln University?

Lincoln University accepts 80.61% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 940, with most admitted students scoring between 840 and 1040. This HBCU welcomes students with a wide range of academic backgrounds.

How much does Lincoln University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,912 after financial aid, less than the full cost of attendance. About 66.30% of students receive financial aid, and the same percentage qualify for federal Pell grants. Low-income families earning under $30,000 typically pay only $11,585 per year.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Lincoln University?

Lincoln University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,712 students. The university offers personalized attention in small classes while preserving its historic mission as one of America's oldest HBCUs. Women make up 66% of the student body, creating a predominantly female campus environment.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Lincoln University?

About 52.10% of students graduate within six years, while 48.85% finish in four years. Graduates earn a median salary of $43,167 ten years after enrollment, and the employment rate reaches 94.5%. The university has produced notable alumni including Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and poet Langston Hughes.

Where is Lincoln University located and what is campus life like?

The university sits in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, a large suburban setting outside Philadelphia. Housing capacity of 1,714 beds can accommodate nearly the entire student body of 1,712. The campus offers 9 NCAA Division II varsity sports with $1,093,000 in athletic scholarships available.

Is Lincoln University a historically black college and university?

Yes, Lincoln University is one of America's oldest HBCUs, founded in 1854 as the first degree-granting historically black university. The student body is 83.24% Black, maintaining its core mission of serving African American students. The university has educated generations of influential leaders including jazz legend Cab Calloway and physician Hildrus Poindexter.