Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 52.1%
- Retention Rate
- 70.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,167
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $28,250
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 31.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $299/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $27,573 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $44,384 | $28,000 |
| Journalism. | Bachelor | $36,852 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $32,500 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $32,687 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $30,000 |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $29,000 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $26,933 | |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $21,781 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Lincoln University graduates earn a median of $43,167 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 65% with typical debt of $28,250. Monthly loan payments of $299 consume about 8% of graduates' income, which is manageable but reflects the financial reality many HBCU graduates face. The university's strong alumni network in education, social work, and public service helps explain the 94.5% employment rate. Notable graduates like Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes built careers in law and literature, fields where initial earnings often grow substantially over time. While starting salaries are modest, Lincoln's legacy of producing influential leaders in civil rights and education suggests an average return on investment with significant social impact potential.