Lincoln University provides exceptional affordability and broad access, making higher education attainable for students who might not otherwise have college opportunities.
The university particularly serves first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking an affordable path to a college degree, though earnings outcomes require careful consideration in career planning.
Lincoln University ranks among the lower tier of public four-year institutions nationally for overall value, reflecting challenges in long-term earnings outcomes despite strong affordability. As a small public historically black university in Jefferson City, Missouri, Lincoln serves a diverse student body with 46% receiving Pell Grants and 38% being first-generation college students. The university provides broad access with relatively low barriers to entry, making higher education attainable for many Missouri families.
While Lincoln excels in affordability—particularly for low-income students who pay around $9,052 annually—graduates face earnings challenges that place the institution in the bottom 10% nationally for 10-year median earnings at $39,463. The university falls into the "Under-Resourced Institutions" mobility category, indicating high access but limited economic outcomes for low-income students. Despite these earnings challenges, Lincoln maintains its mission of serving underrepresented populations and providing pathways to higher education.
For families prioritizing affordability and access over maximum earnings potential, Lincoln offers a legitimate public university experience at a fraction of the cost of many alternatives. The university's small size and supportive environment can benefit students who thrive in close-knit academic communities, though career planning and major selection become particularly important given the earnings landscape.
Lincoln University's program portfolio reflects its mission of serving diverse student populations, though earnings outcomes across majors remain modest compared with national averages. Business Administration and Management leads both in enrollment (42 graduates) and aggregate economic impact, with graduates earning $30,409 ten years out. This represents the university's strongest program in terms of combining reasonable enrollment with the highest available earnings, though these figures still fall well below national medians for business majors.
Corrections Administration, with 25 graduates, represents another significant program area with earnings of $26,121, reflecting career paths in criminal justice and public safety. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching, graduating 21 students, shows similar earnings at $30,409, indicating opportunities in educational support roles. These programs demonstrate Lincoln's focus on public service and community-oriented careers, though students should be aware that earnings in these fields typically start modestly and may require additional credentials or experience for advancement.
The concentration in business, criminal justice, and education reflects Lincoln's practical approach to career preparation, emphasizing fields with local employment opportunities. However, the consistently modest earnings across all programs suggest that students may benefit from supplementing their education with internships, certifications, or graduate study to enhance their career prospects and earning potential after graduation.
Lincoln University graduates face significant earnings challenges compared with other public institutions. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $39,463, placing the university in the bottom 10% nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. This represents earnings that fall short of expectations by about $1,312 compared with similar students at other institutions, indicating that graduates typically earn less than peers with comparable backgrounds elsewhere.
Program selection becomes particularly crucial at Lincoln given the earnings landscape. Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 42 graduates, produces median earnings of $30,409 ten years out. Corrections Administration, another significant program with 25 graduates, leads to median earnings of $26,121. Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching, with 21 graduates, also shows earnings around $30,409. These figures reflect early-career earnings that remain modest compared with national averages, emphasizing the importance of careful career planning and potentially pursuing additional credentials or training after graduation.
The earnings challenges at Lincoln are consistent across most programs, with even the highest-earning majors producing outcomes well below national medians for similar fields. Students considering Lincoln should weigh the university's affordability advantages against these long-term financial realities, particularly if maximizing post-graduation income is a primary goal.
Lincoln University stands out for exceptional affordability, especially for students from lower-income backgrounds. Low-income students pay approximately $9,052 per year in net costs, well below national averages and making Lincoln one of the more affordable public options in Missouri. Middle-income families face annual costs around $18,340, while higher-income students pay about $21,265—all representing strong value propositions for families seeking to minimize educational expenses.
Debt levels at Lincoln are manageable relative to the low net prices, though they become more concerning when viewed against post-graduation earnings. Typical graduates leave with about $28,875 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that reflects the university's affordable sticker price and substantial financial aid. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,537, indicating that many families can cover most costs through grants, student loans, and personal contributions without requiring extensive parent borrowing.
The affordability picture becomes more complex when considering repayment capacity. While Lincoln keeps upfront costs low, the modest post-graduation earnings mean that even moderate debt levels can create repayment challenges. Students should carefully consider their program choice and career plans to ensure that the debt they take on remains sustainable given Lincoln's typical earnings outcomes.
Lincoln University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
