Lincoln University (PA)

Overview

Lincoln University (PA) is a public university established in 1854. As of fall 2023, it has 1,717 undergraduate students and a sprawling 422-acre campus. The school follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2025 Best Colleges rankings, Lincoln University (PA) is #126 among Regional Universities North. In-state tuition and fees are $12,512, while out-of-state students pay $18,464.

At-a-Glance

Setting: N/A
In-state tuition & fees: $12,512
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,717
Acceptance rate: 78%

Lincoln University (PA) Rankings

Here’s how the university stacks up in various categories:

#126 in Regional Universities North (tie)
#20 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities
#46 in Top Public Schools (tie)
#52 in Top Performers on Social Mobility (tie)

Lincoln University (PA) ranks #126 out of 171 Regional Universities North. These rankings are based on widely accepted indicators of academic excellence.

U.S. News Overall Score

Score (out of 100): 43

Outcomes (57%)

Average 6-year graduation rate (21%): 48%
6-year graduation rate (Pell Grant recipients) (5.5%): 45%
6-year graduation rate (non-Pell Grant recipients) (5.5%): 65%

Lincoln University (PA) Admissions

The acceptance rate is 78%. For admitted students who submitted test scores:

SAT range: 870–1050
ACT range: 18–22

However, 25% of admitted students scored above these ranges, and 25% scored below. The application deadline is August 1.

Admissions officers prioritize GPA and may consider high school class rank (if available). Letters of recommendation are not factored into decisions.

Admissions Stats

Application deadline: Aug. 1
Application fee: N/A
Acceptance rate: 78%

Lincoln University (PA) Tuition & Financial Aid

In-state tuition & fees: $12,512
Out-of-state tuition & fees: $18,464

Compared to national averages:

In-state tuition ($12,201 national avg.): Lincoln is slightly more expensive.
Out-of-state tuition ($29,084 national avg.): Lincoln is more affordable.

The total cost (including housing, books, etc.):

In-state: $28,332
Out-of-state: $34,284

After financial aid, the average net price is:

In-state: $17,424
Out-of-state: $25,422

Tuition & Expenses (2024-25)

In-state tuition & fees: $12,512
Out-of-state tuition & fees: $18,464
Net price (2021-22 federal loan recipients): $16,029

Net Price by Family Income (2021-22)

Family Income	Average Cost
$0–$30,000	$14,438
$30,001–$48,000	$15,394
$48,001–$75,000	$16,984
$75,001–$110,000	$19,553
$110,001+	$22,284

Food & housing (2024-25): $11,616

Lincoln University (PA) Academics

Student-faculty ratio: 13:1
Classes with <20 students: 62.8%
Freshman retention rate: 74% (indicator of student satisfaction)

Lincoln University (PA) Student Life

Undergraduate enrollment (fall 2023): 1,717
Gender distribution: 34% male, 66% female
On-campus housing: 92% live in university-affiliated housing
Athletics: NCAA Division II

Student Body (Fall 2023)

Total enrollment: 1,848
Undergraduate: 1,717
Graduate: 131
Pell Grant recipients (2022-23): 69%

Housing & Residence Halls

Housing types: Coed dorms (37%), women’s dorms (29%), apartments (26%), men’s dorms (8%)

Lincoln University (PA) Campus Safety

Reported campus crime data (2020–2022):

On-Campus Criminal Offenses

Murder/Non-negligent manslaughter: 1 (2020), 0 (2021–2022)
Rape: 2 (2020), 3 (2021), 1 (2022)

Arrests (On-Campus, 2020–2022)

Drug violations: 2 (2020), 3 (2021), 2 (2022)
Liquor violations: 5 (2020), 0 (2021), 1 (2022)

Campus Services

Student support: Tutoring, women’s center, health services
Security: 24/7 patrols, emergency phones, late-night escorts, controlled dorm access
Alcohol policy: Not permitted, even for legal-age students