
Abraham Lincoln University (ALU) was founded in 1996 with a focus on making legal education available through distance learning. Its early emphasis on law helps explain why legal studies remain central to the university's identity, even as its academic offerings have expanded into other fields.
ALU is a private institution based in Glendale, California. Prospective students should distinguish it from similarly named institutions: the relevant school is Abraham Lincoln University, the distance-education institution accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
ALU's academic offerings center on law and legal studies, alongside business administration and criminal justice. Students considering the university should compare the specific credential and program they want, rather than assume every subject is offered at every degree level.
The distinction is especially important for legal education. A legal-studies degree and a Juris Doctor have different purposes, admissions requirements, and potential career paths. Anyone pursuing a law degree with the intention of practicing should check that program's current bar-eligibility rules in the state where they hope to qualify.
Abraham Lincoln University is based in Glendale, California, within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Its distance-education emphasis means a student's day-to-day experience may depend more on course delivery and online support than on regular travel to a conventional campus.
Glendale has regional road and transit connections, but students who expect to visit university offices should confirm the current address, appointment arrangements, and whether their program has any in-person requirements. Los Angeles International Airport is a major option for travelers coming from farther away.
ALU's educational purpose is closely tied to access: it was established to offer education, particularly in law, through a format intended to accommodate students who cannot follow a traditional campus schedule. Its distance-learning model is therefore a central part of its institutional approach, not simply an occasional course option.
That approach may appeal to working adults, but flexibility should not be mistaken for a lighter workload. Applicants should examine the weekly study expectations, opportunities to interact with instructors, and any scheduled activities for their particular program.
Name of the institution
Abraham Lincoln UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
City: MidsizeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
Under 1,000School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1996Abraham Lincoln University is institutionally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.