
Lincoln University, PApublicwww.lincoln.edu/
Lincoln University, a historically Black institution in Pennsylvania, blends accessibility with a tight-knit campus culture. Known for its modest selectivity (65% acceptance rate) and strong Greek life, it offers practical programs in fields like biology and political science, though graduation rates lag behind national averages. Financial aid is widespread, with 95% of undergraduates receiving assistance.
Lincoln University maintains a moderately selective admissions process, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 61-66% according to multiple sources. The middle 50% of admitted students typically score between 850-1060 on the SAT, with an average high school GPA of 3.07. Notably, the university doesn't appear to require SAT/ACT scores for all applicants, making it accessible to a broader range of students.
Key stats:
Lincoln offers undergraduate and graduate programs across sciences, arts, criminal justice, journalism, teaching, nursing, and accounting. Popular majors include Biology/Biological Sciences (5% of students) and Political Science (5%), with a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 enabling personalized attention. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills for career success, though the university doesn't appear in national rankings for academic prestige.
Notable aspects:
The university fosters a vibrant campus culture centered around Greek life and annual traditions like its distinctive Homecoming celebration. With a small undergraduate enrollment (223 students in fall 2023), the community is tight-knit. Student Life organizes frequent events including parties, concerts, and shows, while numerous clubs and organizations provide engagement opportunities.
Campus highlights:
Graduation rates at Lincoln are below national averages, with 6-year rates ranging from 27-30% for recent cohorts. Female students graduate at higher rates (34%) than males (23%). Median earnings 6 years post-graduation are approximately $32,865, with nursing graduates reporting $39,463 at 10 years. The university struggles with retention, with only 59.9% of students continuing past their first year.
Key metrics:
Financial support is widely available, with 95% of undergraduates receiving some form of assistance. Institutional scholarships or grants go to 40% of students. The university provides Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculators to estimate costs after aid, though specific tuition figures aren't detailed in available sources. The focus on accessibility aligns with Lincoln's historical mission as an HBCU.
Financial highlights:
Lincoln University distinguishes itself through its historical LegacyAn applicant whose parent (or sometimes other close relative) attended the college. Some schools give a small edge to legacy applicants. as an HBCU, its unusually strong Greek culture, and its accessible admissions policies. The small campus fosters close relationships among students and faculty, while the career-focused curriculum provides practical preparation. However, the university faces challenges in student retention and graduation rates that temper its overall profile. For students seeking an intimate, tradition-rich HBCU experience with moderate academic demands, Lincoln offers a distinctive option.