Lincoln University

Public · MO

Photo: TheCatalyst31 (CC0)

School data & stats

TypePublic

LocationMO · Midwest

SettingUrban

Undergrads1,392

Student:faculty11:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate10.3%

6-yr grad rate20.8%

Drop-out rate40.1%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$10k

Out-of-state tuition$18k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity71.3%

Gender diversity57.9%

International8%

IdentityHBCU

Overview

Lincoln University of Missouri is a public historically Black land-grant university in Jefferson City, with an origin story distinct in American higher education: it was founded in 1866 by Black soldiers of the 62nd and 65th U.S. Colored Infantry, who pooled their own money after the Civil War to establish a school for freed people. That founding by veterans, rather than a religious order or state legislature, remains central to the university's identity and is marked on campus.

Academics

As a land-grant institution, agriculture is a historic core strength, alongside nursing, business, and education. Programs are geared toward practical, career-oriented preparation, and the university serves a diverse student body reflecting both Missouri's capital region and a broader HBCU draw.

Campus & student life

The Jefferson City campus places students close to Missouri's state government, offering internship and civic-engagement opportunities tied to the capital. Campus culture carries the weight of the founding history through active alumni and heritage programming.

Getting in

Admission is accessible, reflecting the university's land-grant, access-oriented mission rather than a highly selective model.

After graduation

Graduates in nursing, education, business, and agriculture find steady regional placement, with the state capital location supporting government and public-sector career paths as well.

lincolnu.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate—

Enrolled mid-50%—

Test policynot reported

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying