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Public, 4-year

Lincoln University

Jefferson City, Missouri · www.lincolnu.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$17,692

In-state $9,796

Peer median $17,955

Undergraduates

1,926

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 14 : 1

Graduation rate

17.2%

4-year; 6-year rate 29.7%

Peer median 26.9%

“Peers” are all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

Lincoln University, located in the picturesque region of New Zealand, is renowned for its commitment to excellence in research and education, particularly in the fields of agriculture, environmental sciences, and land-based studies. Established in 1878, this university boasts a rich history and has cultivated a strong reputation for its innovative approach to learning and its emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. The campus is set in a stunning natural environment, which provides students with a unique opportunity to engage with the surrounding landscape while contributing to sustainable practices and research.

The university prides itself on its diverse and inclusive community, fostering a collaborative atmosphere among its students and faculty. With a strong focus on student support and well-being, Lincoln University offers a variety of facilities, including modern lecture halls, laboratories, and recreational areas, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need for a successful academic journey. The university's motto, "In the service of the community," reflects its mission to prepare graduates who are not only skilled professionals but also responsible global citizens. Graduates from Lincoln University are highly sought after in the job market, thanks to the university's strong industry connections and emphasis on employability skills, making it an attractive choice for students aiming for a bright future.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at Lincoln University

The data from Lincoln University reveals several noteworthy trends that deserve attention. One of the most striking aspects is the significant increase in tuition fees over the years. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition rose from $6,838 in 2014 to $9,290 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 36%. Meanwhile, out-of-state undergraduate tuition jumped from $13,228 to $16,882, a staggering increase of around 27%. This trend aligns with the broader national narrative regarding rising college costs, which has led many prospective students and families to question the value of higher education.

Another critical metric is the graduation rate. The percentage of students graduating on time is concerning, with rates fluctuating between 5.6% and 12.1% over the years. The 100% graduation rate peaked at 12.1% in 2023, suggesting some improvement, but overall, the low figures indicate persistent issues with student retention and support. The graduation rate is essential not only for students' success but also for the institution's reputation and funding.

Additionally, the retention rate has shown slight fluctuations, hovering around 49% to 53% in recent years. The rates indicate that nearly half of the students do not continue their studies, which raises questions about the university's ability to provide a supportive and engaging educational environment. Retention is critical for fostering a thriving academic community and ensuring students achieve their academic goals.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio illuminates another area of concern. The ratio decreased from 15:1 in 2013 to 13:1 in 2022, before returning to 15:1 by 2023. While a lower ratio can enhance personalized attention for students, the fluctuating numbers imply inconsistencies in faculty recruitment and retention, potentially impacting the quality of education.

In conclusion, while Lincoln University has made some strides in certain areas, the significant rise in tuition, low graduation rates, and retention challenges highlight the need for strategic improvements to enhance the overall educational experience for its students. These metrics not only reflect the university's current state but also its future trajectory in an increasingly competitive landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
St. Louis, about 100 mi
Nearest international airport
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about 100 mi
Jefferson City, Missouri
Also known as
Lincoln University of Missouri
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. John Moseley, Ed.D. (President)
Phone
5736815000
City
Jefferson City, Missouri
Address
820 Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate220 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's1951 international (0.5%)
Master's301 international (3.3%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Agriculture, General
25
Business Administration and Management, General
25
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
25
Psychology, General
22
Elementary Education and Teaching
14
Special Education and Teaching, Other
12
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
11
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
11
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
9
Accounting
7

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Agriculture, General · Master's9 (11% international)
  • Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services · Master's8 (0% international)
  • Social Sciences, Other · Master's7 (0% international)
  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's4 (0% international)
  • Natural Sciences · Master's1 (0% international)
  • History, General · Master's1 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Lincoln University

The graduation data from Lincoln University for 2023 reflects a diverse range of programs and highlights trends in higher education. Notably, the Registered Nursing program has produced the highest number of graduates, with a total of 22 students earning their bachelor's degree. This aligns with the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has underscored the importance of nursing and allied health fields.

In contrast, the Criminal Justice program also demonstrates significant interest, yielding 20 bachelor's graduates. This suggests a sustained interest in law enforcement and public safety careers, especially as societal concerns about crime and justice continue to be prevalent in discussions.

Moreover, it's interesting to observe the representation of international students, particularly in the Education and Psychology fields, where a small but notable number of international graduates were recorded. This indicates Lincoln University's appeal to a global student body, which is essential in fostering a diverse educational environment.

On the other hand, several fields, such as Sociology and various Engineering technologies, show a minimal number of graduates, potentially indicating either a lack of student interest or challenges in these areas. As the job market evolves, it will be crucial for academic institutions to adapt their offerings to meet changing workforce demands.

Overall, Lincoln University's graduation data provides valuable insights into current educational trends and student interests, reflecting broader societal needs and the dynamic nature of higher education.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 40 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$62,183-$66,592
Businesshas 39 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Business Administration and Management, General.$39,331
Accounting.-
General Merchandising, Sales, and Related Marketing Operations, Other.$26,760
Educationhas 37 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Special Education and Teaching, Other.-
Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$33,262
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.-
Social Science Teacher Education.-
Agricultural has 34 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Agriculture, General.-
Psychology has 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Psychology, General.-
Social sciencehas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Political Science and Government, General.-
Sociology, General.-
Social Sciences, Other.-
Homeland security has 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.$32,331
Biologyhas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.$35,467
Liberal arts has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$21,282
Engineering technologieshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.-
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Information Science/Studies.-
Communication has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Journalism.$26,356
Public administrationhas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Social Work.$32,951
Mathmatics and statistics has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Mathematics, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-
History has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
History, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
Natural Sciences.-
English has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMaster
English Language and Literature, General.-

Students

2,054 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 44:56 · Freshman retention 59.9%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,926)

White
824 · 42.8%
Black
752 · 39.0%
International
111 · 5.8%
Two or more races
78 · 4.0%
Hispanic
68 · 3.5%
Unknown
66 · 3.4%
Asian
21 · 1.1%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
18.6%
18–19
30.6%
20–21
22.8%
22–24
13.6%
25 and over
14.3%

Graduate students

Under 22
0.0%
22–24
28.1%
25–29
27.3%
30–34
11.7%
35 and over
32.8%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Lincoln University in 2023

In 2023, Lincoln University showcased a diverse student body, with a total of 1,426 students across various categories. The undergraduate first-year students comprised 350 individuals, with a gender distribution of 46% male and 54% female, indicating a slightly higher representation of women in this group. This trend continues among undergraduate continuing students, where 857 students were enrolled, with females making up 64.2% of the population, reflecting a growing inclination toward female enrollment in higher education.

The undergraduate transfer students accounted for 116 individuals, presenting a more balanced gender ratio, with 52.6% male and 47.4% female. This might suggest that transfer students are more evenly represented across genders, possibly due to varied experiences in different educational environments.

Graduate students, numbering 103, exhibited a near parity in gender representation, with 48.5% male and 51.5% female, further emphasizing the university's commitment to inclusivity.

The overall gender ratios highlight an encouraging trend towards gender equity in higher education, particularly among undergraduate continuing students. However, the data also reveals a need for further exploration into the factors influencing these gender distributions, especially in various demographic subgroups. As global conversations around diversity and inclusion continue to evolve, it will be essential for institutions like Lincoln University to foster an environment that supports and encourages participation from all demographic backgrounds, ensuring that underrepresented groups are adequately supported in their academic pursuits.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Lincoln University

The age distribution of students at Lincoln University in 2023 reveals interesting trends that reflect both traditional and non-traditional educational pathways. A significant portion of the undergraduate population is under 18 and in the 18-19 age bracket, accounting for approximately 34% and 34.8% of the total student body, respectively. This indicates a strong influx of fresh high school graduates entering higher education.

As we move into the 20-21 age group, there is a slight decline in the number of students, with this category comprising 22.3% of the total. Notably, the enrollment drops off more sharply in the 22-24 age range, suggesting that students may be taking gap years or delaying their undergraduate studies for various reasons, such as work or personal commitments.

The representation of older students, particularly those aged 25 and above, remains modest, with the 25-29 age group contributing only about 6.2% to the total. However, the presence of students aged 30-34 and older indicates that Lincoln University is accommodating a diverse range of learners, possibly reflecting a broader trend towards lifelong learning.

Moreover, the gender distribution shows that female students slightly outnumber male students across most age categories, highlighting ongoing shifts in gender dynamics within higher education. The data suggests a need for universities to continue adapting their offerings to cater to a wide range of student needs, including flexible scheduling and support services for non-traditional students. Overall, Lincoln University’s age composition illustrates a vibrant educational community with varied backgrounds and experiences, which is essential for fostering a rich learning environment.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates5.8%

111 in 2025 · 1.8% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 1.8%2017: 1.9%2018: 1.8%2019: 2.4%2020: 2.5%2021: 2.8%2022: 3.6%2023: 4.0%2024: 5.4%2025: 5.8%
2016Peer median 1.4%2025
Graduate students22.7%

29 in 2025 · 13.2% in 2016

0% 17.5% 35% 2016: 13.2%2017: 11.7%2018: 11.2%2019: 10.9%2020: 11.5%2021: 12.5%2022: 16.2%2023: 18.4%2024: 28.3%2025: 22.7%
2016Peer median 1.0%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Lincoln University

The data from Lincoln University reveals a notable decline in the number of international students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs from 2004 to 2023. For undergraduates, the percentage of international students decreased from 5.05% in 2004 to 3.99% in 2023. This decline is concerning, especially in the context of global trends where many universities are actively seeking to attract international talent.

The graduate programs, while experiencing a slight fluctuation, show an overall increase in the percentage of international students, rising from 11.93% in 2004 to 18.45% in 2023. This suggests a growing appeal of Lincoln University’s graduate offerings to international students, possibly reflecting the university's efforts to enhance its academic reputation and support services for postgraduate candidates.

Such trends may be influenced by broader socio-economic factors, including changes in immigration policies, global economic conditions, and competition from other institutions. The recent global pandemic has also significantly impacted international student mobility, leading to uncertainties and challenges for both students and educational institutions.

For Lincoln University, addressing the decline in undergraduate international student enrollment could be crucial for maintaining diversity and enhancing the educational experience for all students. This could involve targeted marketing strategies, partnerships with overseas institutions, and strengthening support systems for international students. In contrast, the growth in graduate enrollment presents an opportunity for the university to further develop its postgraduate programs and expand its appeal to a global audience.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$27,948

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$17,692
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$9,796
Room and board
$10,256
Graduate tuition
$13,236
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $29,573 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 32% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 69%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$77.2M

Government grants and contracts
$60.0M77.7%
Auxiliary enterprises
$5.3M6.9%
Tuition and fees
$3.3M4.2%
Investment return
$2.2M2.8%
Gifts and private grants
$801K1.0%
Other
$5.6M7.3%

Expenses$67.0M

Instruction
$13.9M20.7%
Research
$10.7M16.0%
Public service
$9.6M14.4%
Institutional support
$9.6M14.4%
Student services
$8.4M12.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$7.4M11.0%
Academic support
$5.5M8.2%
Scholarships
$280K0.4%
Other
$1.6M2.4%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$50,845peers $72,709
Professor
$61,602peers $91,112
Associate professor
$51,606peers $77,091
Assistant professor
$46,532peers $65,783
Instructor
$34,890peers $53,527

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Great Lakes Valley Conference

Great Lakes Valley Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Football69-
Soccer4618
Track and Field (Indoor)2723
Track and Field (Outdoor)2723
Softball-40
Basketball1514
Baseball25-
Golf75
Cross Country-10
2024
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)4754
Football74-
Basketball1715
Softball-29
Golf86
2023
NCAA Division II with footballMENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)5762
Football118-
Basketball1815
Softball-20
Golf106

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding Lincoln University:

  1. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious university is known for its rigorous academic programs and strong research initiatives across various fields.

  2. University of Missouri-Columbia - This comprehensive university ranks 124th and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, focusing on research and public service.

  3. Saint Louis University - With a rank of 105, this university is recognized for its commitment to social justice and community service, offering diverse programs and a vibrant campus life.

  4. University of Kansas - Ranked 151st, this university is known for its strong emphasis on research and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - At 35th place, this institution is renowned for its engineering and business programs, making it a leading comprehensive university in the Midwest.

These schools provide a range of educational opportunities and are well-regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.9 · all 85 public baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Domestic violence
15
Burglary
12
Liquor referrals
12
Drug arrests
10
Dating violence
8
Liquor arrests
7

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Lincoln University

The crime statistics at Lincoln University over the years display notable fluctuations, with a concerning peak in 2018, where the average crime rate reached 39.71 per 1,000 students. This year marked a significant rise in criminal incidents, suggesting potential underlying issues affecting campus safety. Interestingly, the subsequent years indicate a gradual decline in crime rates, culminating in a low of 17.20 in 2021, before witnessing a slight increase in 2023 to 28.37.

Among the various categories of offenses, gun-related arrests and drug-related arrests stand out as critical areas of concern. The data indicates that while gun arrests remained relatively low across the years, drug arrests saw a more significant rise, showcasing a pressing need for improved drug education and prevention programs on campus.

Moreover, the presence of domestic violence and assault incidents highlights the necessity for stronger support systems for victims and educational initiatives to foster a safer campus environment. The university's administration should prioritize mental health resources and community outreach to tackle these issues effectively.

Overall, while the data suggests that Lincoln University has made strides in reducing crime rates in recent years, continued vigilance and proactive measures are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. For further insights into crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

Notable Alumni

All 25

Notable alumni of Lincoln University include Oliver Lake (Jazz saxophonist, flutist and composer), Blaine Luetkemeyer (U.S. Representative for Missouri's 3rd district) and Julius Hemphill (Jazz composer and saxophonist).

See all 25 notable alumni of Lincoln University →

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.