Lincoln University
Lincoln University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lincoln University at a Glance
Lincoln University (LU) is a public state-related historically black university (HBCU) in Lower Oxford Township, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded as the private Ashmun Institute in 1854, it has been a public institution since 1972. Lincoln is also recognized as the first college-degree-granting HBCU in the country. Its main campus is located on 422 acres (170.8 ha) in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. The university has a second location in University City, Philadelphia. Lincoln Univers…
1854
172 years old
1,527
1,424 undergrad · 103 grad
422 acres
Identity
Is Lincoln University Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Lincoln University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,167 — 20% below average — while paying $14,977/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $28,250 representing 65% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lincoln University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lincoln University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #42 of 78 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #42 | Lincoln University | 35 | $14,977 | $43,167 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Lincoln University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in PA.
Best Programs at Lincoln University
The highest-earning program at Lincoln University is Human Services, General at $27,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $25,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Human Services, General graduate from Lincoln University earns $27,600, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $25,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Human Services, General graduates carry $34,500 in median debt vs. $33,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $14,977/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Services, General | $27,600 | $27,600 | $34,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $27,300 | $27,300 | $36,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $25,900 | $25,900 | $33,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Lincoln University, PA
- Student Body
- 1,539 students
- Admission Rate
- 66%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $14,977
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,167
- Median Student Debt
- $28,250