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Lincoln University
Most applicants get into Lincoln University — 65.7% were admitted — so the real questions are cost, fit and outcomes, covered below.
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Lincoln University occupies suburban Lincoln University, PA — a public campus quieter than a downtown one, closer to one than a rural seat. It is one of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities, a designation that shapes both its history and its present mission.
Its highest-earning path is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing, where graduates median $74,652 four years out. Faculty pay averages $114,960 a year here — a rough proxy for what the school spends on the teaching itself. With 1,539 undergraduates and a residential core, weekends happen on campus — and 73.4% of first-years come back for a second year.
Submitters admitted here typically landed between 870 and 1050 — below the PA middle for four-year schools. Put your own practice estimate on Lincoln University's range with the SAT calculator, or bring a saved GPA from the grade tools.
Admissions
You can apply to Lincoln University without scores. Among admitted students who did submit, the middle half landed between 870 and 1050; applicants below that range often simply apply without them.
| Score | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading & Writing | 450 | 490 | 530 |
| SAT Math | 420 | 480 | 520 |
| ACT Composite | 18 | 22 | 22 |
Percentiles are among students who submitted scores (Fall 2023 admissions cycle).
In the Fall 2023 cycle, Lincoln University received 5,987 applications and admitted 4,692 (78.4%), with 551 enrolling.
How Lincoln University compares
| Lincoln University | Pennsylvania median | National median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 65.7% | 82% | 77.2% |
| Tuition (in-state) | $12,512 | $33,730 | $19,591 |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $43,167 | $62,101 | $53,781 |
Ten years out, Lincoln University's median earnings are $43,167 — below the Pennsylvania benchmark of $62,101. Weigh that against the $12,512 price above; the by-major table shows majors drive much of this gap.
Cost, size & completion
As a public university, Lincoln University prices by residency: $12,512 in-state versus $19,384 out-of-state — a $6,872 gap that makes state lines part of the decision.
With 1,539 undergraduates, Lincoln University is small enough that class size and faculty access are structural, not marketing claims.
43.5% graduate within six years. Roughly 56% don't — ask a Lincoln University tour guide what happens to them and watch the answer carefully.
Top majors by earnings at Lincoln University
| Bachelor's program | Median earnings, 4 yrs after completion |
|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $74,652 |
| Biology, General | $55,431 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $54,632 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $51,056 |
| Human Services, General | $50,390 |
| Sociology | $50,141 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $49,412 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $49,159 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,706 |
| Political Science and Government | $47,374 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $36,544 |
Median earnings for these 11 Lincoln University programs come from a different federal cohort than the campus-wide $43,167 above — compare rows to each other, not to that 10-year figure. 23 additional Lincoln University programs have earnings withheld under federal privacy rules.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA and test scores do you need for Lincoln University?
Among admitted students who submitted scores, the middle 50% scored 870–1050 on the SAT. There's no published GPA cutoff — pair these ranges with the 65.7% admission rate to judge your odds.
What is Lincoln University's acceptance rate?
78.4% in the Fall 2023 cycle — 4,692 admitted from 5,987 applicants.
How much does Lincoln University cost?
In-state tuition is $12,512; out-of-state students pay $19,384. Fees, housing and aid move the real total in both directions.
What do Lincoln University graduates earn?
Federal data puts median earnings at $43,167 ten years after enrolling. The table above breaks this down by major.
Similar colleges in Pennsylvania
- UPMC St. Margaret School of Nursing — 80.8% admitted
- Lycoming College — 74.1% admitted
- Lebanon Valley College — 83.8% admitted
- Marywood University — 60.6% admitted
Run your own numbers
Data: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (Jun 2026), IPEDS ADM2023/HD2024. Retrieved 2026-09-01. Figures reflect the latest federal cohorts, which lag the current admissions cycle.