
Lincoln University is a public historically Black university in Jefferson City, Missouri, founded in 1866 by veterans of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantry. Its origins in education for formerly enslaved people remain central to its institutional identity, although the university enrolls students of all backgrounds.
Originally established as Lincoln Institute, it later became Lincoln University as its academic offerings expanded. It is also one of the nation's historically Black land-grant institutions. That designation helps explain its continuing emphasis on agriculture, applied learning, and public service alongside arts, sciences, and professional programs.
Lincoln University offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, sciences, agriculture, business, education, and health professions. Students considering a major should use the current academic catalog to distinguish a degree program from a concentration or a course that is offered less frequently.
Representative fields include agriculture, biology, business administration, criminal justice, education, nursing, psychology, and social work. The university's land-grant role also connects academic work in agriculture and related fields with research and community outreach. For programs leading to a professional license - particularly nursing, teaching, and social work - applicants should check the specific degree's admission requirements and the licensing rules of the state where they intend to work.
Lincoln University's main campus is in Jefferson City, Missouri's state capital. Its location places students near state government offices and community organizations that may be relevant to internships or public-service careers.
Jefferson City is a smaller-city setting, so everyday transportation matters. Students planning to commute should account for parking, class schedules, and travel to any off-campus placement required by their program. Columbia Regional Airport is a regional air-travel option; students should check current routes and ground transportation rather than assume a direct connection to campus.
Lincoln University's stated educational purpose reflects both its origins as a historically Black institution and its responsibilities as a public land-grant university. Its mission emphasizes access to education, teaching, research, and service to Missouri communities.
Those priorities are most useful to applicants as a guide to the university's academic scope, not as a promise about individual outcomes. Lincoln is a public institution, not a religiously affiliated college. Prospective students comparing mission statements should look at how a particular program translates broad commitments into coursework, advising, research, or community-based experience.
Name of the institution
Lincoln University-MissouriLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999School type
Comprehensive higher education institutionMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1866Lincoln University-Missouri is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning 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
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificateData 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.