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Lindenwood University

#513 in US ranking Saint Charles, MO
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Lindenwood University award
Lindenwood University award

Cost

Cost / year
$36,897
Tuition & fees
$22,794
Avg. aid
$12,400
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
57%
Avg. SAT
1035
ACT range
22–28

Outcomes

Graduation rate
49%
Median salary
$45,196
1 yr after graduation

What is the accreditation of Lindenwood University?

Lindenwood University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Institutional accreditation evaluates the university as a whole; it is distinct from accreditation or approval granted to an individual academic program.

Accreditation is relevant to eligibility for federal student aid and can matter when students seek to transfer credits or pursue further study. It does not require another college to accept every Lindenwood course. Applicants in fields leading to licensure - particularly education or health professions - should also check the current program's specialized accreditation, state approval, and requirements in the state where they intend to work. Institutional accreditation alone does not establish eligibility for every professional license.

What are the admission requirements at Lindenwood University?

First-year applicants generally submit Lindenwood's undergraduate application and evidence of high school graduation or an accepted equivalency. Academic performance matters: the university's reported admissions criteria require a secondary-school GPA, while class rank, recommendations, and college-preparatory coursework may be considered without being universally required.

SAT and ACT scores are considered but are not generally required under the reported test-optional criteria. International applicants may need to document English-language proficiency, including through TOEFL or another accepted route under the applicable admissions policy. A particular major or applicant category may have additional prerequisites, auditions, portfolios, or documentation, so the program's current requirements take precedence over a general admissions checklist.

In the reported first-year admissions cycle, Lindenwood admitted about 57% of applicants. That describes a past applicant pool, not an individual's chance of admission. Applicants should check the current admissions calendar and scholarship deadlines rather than assume that an open application automatically leaves every program or award available.

What are the application fees and waivers at Lindenwood University?

Lindenwood has advertised a free undergraduate application, allowing prospective students to apply without a standard undergraduate application fee. Applicants using a graduate, international, or specialized application should check the charge displayed for that specific application before submitting it.

An application fee is different from any later enrollment deposit, housing payment, or orientation charge. If an applicant encounters a fee they cannot pay, the admissions office can clarify whether that application route offers a waiver and whether the request must be approved before submission.

What types of ROTC programs are available at Lindenwood University?

Lindenwood students have reported access to Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC through cooperating host institutions, rather than through units identified as based on the Lindenwood campus. Participation may require travel to the host institution for classes, leadership activities, or training.

ROTC scholarship applications, participation rules, and any eventual service obligation depend on the branch and type of contract. An interested student should confirm the current host arrangement, travel schedule, cross-enrollment process, and whether ROTC coursework fits their Lindenwood degree plan before relying on the program as part of an enrollment decision.

What are the requirements for transfer students at Lindenwood University?

Lindenwood accepts transfer applicants and generally considers college credit from other accredited institutions. Transfer students have been able to enter in fall, spring, and summer terms, although program availability and application timing can vary.

Applicants should expect to submit an application and official transcripts from the colleges they attended. High school records may also be relevant depending on the applicant's prior coursework and the current admissions policy. Lindenwood also reports pathways for evaluating Advanced Placement, CLEP, DSST/DANTES, and certain credit recommended by the American Council on Education; eligibility for credit depends on the applicable course and university rules.

Admission and credit acceptance are separate decisions. A course may transfer as elective credit without satisfying a major requirement. Before enrolling, a transfer applicant should request an official evaluation showing how prior courses apply to general education, the proposed major, and any minimum number of credits that must be completed at Lindenwood. Students entering a selective or licensure-related program should also check its own transfer restrictions.

What types of study abroad programs are available at Lindenwood University?

Lindenwood students may pursue international study through opportunities approved by the university, which can include short-term experiences and longer programs arranged with outside providers or partner institutions. The available destinations, formats, and academic subjects can change by term.

Before committing to a program, a student should obtain approval for how its courses will count toward a Lindenwood degree. The full budget may include program charges, travel, insurance, and living expenses in addition to tuition. Federal aid, institutional scholarships, and other funding do not necessarily apply in the same way to every outside program, so academic approval and financial-aid review should happen before a student pays a nonrefundable deposit.

Lindenwood University Admissions Factors

Avg. SAT
1035
ACT range
22–28
136
Acceptance rate
57%

Acceptance rate vs. median

This school
57%
Missouri
77%
US
78%

14% of admitted students enrolled (638 of 4,528)

ACT scores of enrolled students

ACT in range 12-17
ACT in range 18-23
ACT in range 24-29
ACT in range 30-36

Lindenwood University Admissions

Applicants
Total: 7,966
Admission
Total: 4,528
Enrolled
Total: 638
Women
Men

How to Apply to Lindenwood University

Early Decision

No

Early Action

No

Lindenwood University First-Year Students

Where first-year students come from

In-state: 375
Out-of-state: 222
International: 39

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshmen: 636
Transfer: 693

Lindenwood University Admission Requirements

Median composite SAT score

1035

Median composite ACT score

24

Percent of students submitting ACT scores

5.8%

Percent of students submitting SAT scores

0.58%

High school completions

General Educational Development (GED) required

Computer required

No

Computer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution

No

Secondary school GPA

Required

Secondary school rank

Considered but not required

Secondary school record

Considered but not required

Completion of college-preparatory program

Considered but not required

Recommendations

Considered but not required

Formal demonstration of competencies

Neither required nor recommended

Admission test scores

Considered but not required

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language

Required

Other Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)

Neither required nor recommended

Open admission policy

No

Dual credit

No

Credit for life experiences

Yes

Advanced placement (AP) credits

Yes

Special learning opportunities

Orientation program

Yes

Disabilities services

Yes

Off-campus study

Yes

ROTC-Army

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

ROTC-Air Force

ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institution

Study abroad

Yes

Weekend/evening college

Yes

Student can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization

Yes

Preparation at another institution required

No

Approved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher

Yes

Lindenwood University Transfer Acceptance Rate

Generally accepts credits

Yes

Accept ACE recommendation for credit

Yes

Possible transfer

Fall, Spring, Summer

Data last updated on November 5, 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.

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