Lincoln University of Pennsylvania is a public historically Black university (HBCU) located on a 429-acre main campus in Chester County near Philadelphia, with a School of Adult and Continuing Education branch inside University City. Founded in 1854, it is ranked #116 in Regional Universities North by US News Best Colleges 2026 and #33 for Top Performers on Social Mobility in the same edition.
Lincoln University offers 30+ undergraduate majors and four graduate degrees, including an accelerated MBA, M.Ed. programmes and an M.A. in Human Services Leadership, all taught in English. Roughly 1,527 students enrol across UG and PG cohorts, with international representation from 12 foreign countries, giving Indian applicants small class sizes and high faculty access at an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. Popular Indian-applicant picks include MS in USA tracks in health science and computer science.
- US News Best Colleges 2026 rank: #116 Regional Universities North
- Acceptance rate: 83% (openly admissive)
- Intakes for Indian students: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- Out-of-state PG tuition 2026-27: USD 18,942/year (INR 17.93 lakh)
- Housing: 95% of main-campus undergraduates live in university housing
- Average out-of-state UG tuition: USD 20,358/year (INR 19.27 lakh)
Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students
Lincoln University charges international applicants the out-of-state rate and does not extend federal or state grants to F-1 visa holders. Merit-based awards, the International Scholars Scholarship and private education loans are the recognised funding pathways. Indian applicants must clear WES credential evaluation, submit an Affidavit of Support and process the F-1 visa through the US embassy after receiving Form I-20.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 94.66 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). Spring 2027 international applications have been accepted since 1 July 2026, with a priority decision deadline of 15 November 2026. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 entry, opens on 15 September 2026 with a priority deadline of 1 April 2027 and admitted-student reply date of 1 May 2027. Indian applicants should begin WES credential evaluation eight weeks before either priority date.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Lincoln University 2027
- Lincoln University Admission 2027
- Lincoln University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Lincoln University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Lincoln University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Lincoln University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Lincoln University Scholarships 2027
- Lincoln University Rankings 2026
- Lincoln University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Lincoln University vs Peer Universities
- Lincoln University FAQs
Popular Courses and Fees at Lincoln University 2027
Lincoln University fees for Indian students are structured at the out-of-state tuition band, applied uniformly across most undergraduate and graduate programmes. Graduate courses run through the School of Adult and Continuing Education, with evening and Saturday classes. Full-time UG programmes run four years; taught masters run 12 to 24 months depending on the concentration.
Top PG Programs at Lincoln University 2027
Graduate degrees are billed per credit hour or as an annual full-time equivalent. The five master’s tracks below use the university’s published full-time annual tuition; final invoices vary with credit load.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA Finance | USD 19,300/year | 18.27 lakh/year | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| MBA Human Resources Management | USD 19,300/year | 18.27 lakh/year | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) |
| M.Ed. Educational Leadership | USD 18,942/year | 17.93 lakh/year | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended), teaching background preferred |
| M.Ed. Early Childhood Education | USD 18,942/year | 17.93 lakh/year | Bachelor’s with 60% (recommended) |
| M.A. Human Services Leadership | USD 18,942/year | 17.93 lakh/year | Bachelor’s with 55% (recommended) in social sciences or allied field |
[Source: Lincoln University Tuition and Fees 2026-2027]
Top UG Programs at Lincoln University 2027
Undergraduate tracks are four-year Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees. International applicants are billed at the out-of-state tuition rate for all majors.
| Program | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.S. Nursing | USD 20,358/year | 19.27 lakh/year | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended), science stream |
| B.S. Computer Science | USD 20,358/year | 19.27 lakh/year | Class 12 with 65% to 80% (recommended), maths required |
| B.S. Criminal Justice | USD 20,358/year | 19.27 lakh/year | Class 12 with 60% (recommended) |
| B.S. Health Science | USD 20,358/year | 19.27 lakh/year | Class 12 with 65% (recommended), science preferred |
| B.A. Mass Communications | USD 20,358/year | 19.27 lakh/year | Class 12 with 55% to 65% (recommended) |
Insider note: Indian applicants gravitate to Nursing, Computer Science and Health Science, which double as pre-professional pathways into US healthcare and technology employers post-graduation.
Read More: Lincoln University Fees and Programs Guide
Lincoln University Admission 2027
Lincoln University admission for Indian students runs on a two-intake calendar with published priority-decision dates for both cycles.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application opens | 1 July 2026 (open now) | Small MA/M.Ed. and transfer cohort intake |
| Spring 2027 priority decision | 15 November 2026 | Apply by this date for scholarship consideration |
| Fall 2027 application opens | 15 September 2026 | Primary UG and MBA intake for Indian students |
| Fall 2027 priority decision | 1 April 2027 | WES verification must be complete by this date |
| Fall 2027 admitted-student reply | 1 May 2027 | I-20 issued after enrolment deposit; visa slot booking begins |
Planning note: Start WES credential evaluation at least eight weeks before the priority date, since Indian transcript verification averages 20 business days during October to February peak season.
Read More: Lincoln University Admission Guide for Indian Students
Lincoln University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
The key requirement for Indian applicants is a WES-verified transcript plus an English proficiency score meeting the university’s published minimums.
PG Requirements
- Academic: Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); MBA tracks favour applicants with business or quantitative UG backgrounds
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71 (0-120 legacy scale) or TOEFL PBT 500, or IELTS overall 6.5
- Credentials: WES course-by-course credential evaluation of the Indian bachelor’s transcript
- Other: Two recommendation letters, 250-word admissions essay, Affidavit of Support with sponsor documentation
UG Requirements
- Academic: Class 12 (CBSE/ISC/State Board) with 60% or above (recommended); Nursing and Computer Science expect 70% or above
- English proficiency: TOEFL iBT 71 or IELTS 6.5; SAT/ACT test-optional for most majors
- Credentials: WES evaluation of Class 10 and 12 marksheets plus certified exit examination scores
Note: The university’s ETS school code is 2367; only official ETS-issued TOEFL reports are accepted, so self-uploaded PDFs are rejected on submission.
Lincoln University Acceptance Rate 2027
Lincoln University reports an 83% undergraduate acceptance rate, positioning it as an openly admissive HBCU that gives Indian applicants with mid-band academic profiles a realistic route to a US degree.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (latest) | 83% | Steady band above 80% |
| 2025 | 82% (estimated) | Consistent |
The high acceptance rate reflects Lincoln’s mission-driven admissions approach as a state-related HBCU rather than a lack of academic rigour. Nursing and Computer Science are the more selective tracks, with capped seats each cycle.
Reality check: A high acceptance rate does not waive visa scrutiny; Indian applicants still need clean financials and a credible study plan to clear the F-1 interview at the US embassy.
Read More: Lincoln University Acceptance Rate Analysis
Lincoln University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student at Lincoln University lands between USD 34,000 and USD 38,000 (INR 32.2 lakh to 36 lakh), covering out-of-state tuition, mandatory fees, on-campus room and board and personal expenses.
Lincoln University Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-27
Indian students pay the out-of-state rate for both UG and PG tracks. Mandatory fees (general fee, technology fee, student services) are billed separately from tuition.
| Programme Level | Annual Tuition (USD) | Annual Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (out-of-state) | USD 20,358 | 19.27 lakh |
| Graduate MBA | USD 19,300 | 18.27 lakh |
| Graduate M.Ed. / M.A. | USD 18,942 | 17.93 lakh |
| Mandatory fees (all programmes) | USD 1,800 to USD 2,400 | 1.7 to 2.27 lakh |
[Source: Lincoln University Cost of Attendance 2026-27]
Monthly Cost of Living in Chester County for Indian Students
The main campus sits in a semi-rural setting, cheaper than Philadelphia proper. Students at the University City branch face central-Philadelphia rent bands. Both estimates below reflect on-campus and near-campus living for a single Indian student.
| Category | Monthly (USD) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on-campus room) | USD 700 to USD 950 | INR 66,000 to 90,000 |
| Food and meal plan | USD 400 to USD 550 | INR 37,800 to 52,000 |
| Transportation | USD 90 to USD 150 | INR 8,500 to 14,200 |
| Books and supplies | USD 100 | INR 9,500 |
| Personal and utilities | USD 200 to USD 300 | INR 18,900 to 28,400 |
| Total monthly | USD 1,490 to USD 2,050 | INR 1.41 to 1.94 lakh |
| Annual (estimated) | USD 17,880 to USD 24,600 | 16.92 to 23.28 lakh |
[Source: Lincoln University Cost of Attendance 2026-27, US embassy F-1 financial guidance]
Insider note: Choosing the Chester County main campus over the University City branch typically cuts monthly rent by USD 250 to USD 400, meaningful for tight two-year MBA budgets.
Read More: Cost of Living for Indian Students in USA
Lincoln University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
Lincoln University operates two locations: a 429-acre residential main campus in Chester County, Pennsylvania and a smaller Philadelphia branch inside University City for graduate and adult learners.
- Location: Main campus is 45 miles southwest of central Philadelphia; SEPTA regional rail links Philadelphia branch to the city network
- Housing: 95% of first-year undergraduates live on the main campus in university residence halls
- Facilities: International Cultural Center, Ivory V. Nelson Center for the Sciences and a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader designation for global engagement
- Indian community: Small but growing cohort routed through the Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS), which handles I-20, arrival pickup and orientation
- Class sizes: 99% of undergraduate classes have 39 students or fewer, giving Indian students high faculty contact hours
What Indian students say: Small cohort size means faculty know each student by name; Philadelphia proximity opens weekend access to internships and Indian community events without paying central-city rent.
Lincoln University Scholarships 2027
Lincoln University offers two named scholarships explicitly open to F-1 international students, both merit-based and both awarded at the undergraduate entry stage.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Scholars Scholarship | Merit, full tuition | Full tuition and general fees (approx. USD 22,000 or INR 20.83 lakh) | SAT 1000+ and Class 12 GPA 3.3/4.0 or 80%+; 10 awards annually | Aligned with Fall priority date, 1 April 2027 |
| International Student Merit Scholarship | Merit, tuition-linked | Tuition and general fees (competitive) | F-1 visa students with outstanding academics, test scores and co-curricular record | Verify at official scholarship page |
[Source: Lincoln University International Financial Aid]
Planning note: International students are not eligible for US federal or state aid, so an early scholarship application and a private education loan with an Indian bank are the two reliable routes to close the funding gap.
Read More: Lincoln University Scholarships Guide
Lincoln University Rankings 2026
Lincoln University’s strongest ranked position is #33 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, per US News Best Colleges 2026, alongside its #116 placement in Regional Universities North.
| Ranking List | Latest Edition | Category |
|---|---|---|
| US News Best Colleges | 2026: #116 | Regional Universities North |
| US News Best Colleges | 2026: #33 | Top Performers on Social Mobility |
| US News HBCU Rankings | Top 20 | Historically Black Colleges (nationwide) |
| US Department of State | Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader | Global engagement recognition |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026, Lincoln University Rankings and Recognitions]
Lincoln University does not currently feature in the QS World University Rankings 2027 or the THE World University Rankings 2026, a pattern common for smaller US HBCUs whose research output sits below global-league cut-offs. Indian applicants should therefore read Lincoln through the US News regional and HBCU frames, not the World-Ranking lens.
Key insight: A US News regional rank still meets Indian education loan and F-1 visa recognition criteria, and MSCHE accreditation ensures the degree is recognised by the Association of Indian Universities.
Read More: Lincoln University Rankings Analysis
Lincoln University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
Lincoln University does not publish a consolidated employment report, but reports strong social-mobility outcomes through US News, which ranks it #33 for lifting graduate earnings relative to family income.
- Employment focus: Nursing and Health Science graduates route into Philadelphia hospitals; MBA graduates enter regional finance and HR functions
- Median starting salary: USD 42,000 to USD 55,000 (INR 39.8 to 52.1 lakh) for graduate-degree holders in target US roles (market median, estimated)
- Career services: On-campus career centre plus OIPS-linked OPT and CPT workshops for F-1 students
- Post-study work: F-1 graduates qualify for 12 months of Optional Practical Training; STEM graduates may extend by 24 additional months
- Recruiter sectors: Healthcare, K-12 education, non-profit human services, regional financial services (representative, not exhaustive)
Insider note: Indian graduates targeting US roles benefit most from Lincoln’s Health Science, Nursing and STEM MBA tracks, since these align with OPT-STEM extensions and licensed-profession employer sponsorship pathways.
Lincoln University vs Peer Universities
Indian applicants weighing Lincoln University typically also review other HBCUs and regional public universities in the US Northeast on cost and social-mobility outcomes.
| University | US News 2026 Category | Avg Annual PG Fee (USD / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln University (PA) | #116 Regional Universities North | USD 18,942 / 17.93 lakh | Oldest degree-granting HBCU with strong social mobility |
| Cheyney University of Pennsylvania | Regional Universities North (unranked tier) | USD 16,900 (estimated) / 16 lakh | Other Pennsylvania HBCU, smaller cohort |
| Delaware State University | National Universities (tier 2) | USD 20,300 (estimated) / 19.22 lakh | Public HBCU with wider graduate programme suite |
| Morgan State University | National Universities (tier 2) | USD 22,500 (estimated) / 21.3 lakh | Larger HBCU in Baltimore with R2 research profile |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania | Regional Universities North (top 100) | USD 17,600 (estimated) / 16.66 lakh | Non-HBCU regional peer with STEM breadth |
Lincoln University stands out on two counts: its founding-HBCU heritage since 1854 and a US News #33 social-mobility placement that few peers match. Fees sit in the affordable band for a US degree, useful for Indian families balancing loan EMIs against post-OPT earnings.
Lincoln University fits Indian students seeking an English-medium US degree at under INR 40 lakh total annual outlay, with small classes, HBCU heritage and a proven social-mobility record. The out-of-state tuition of INR 17.93 lakh against a median regional starting salary of INR 45 lakh yields a workable payback horizon, and 12 to 36 months of post-study OPT in USA extends the recovery runway.
It is not the right pick for Indian students chasing top-50 QS-branded prestige or a heavily research-intensive PhD environment; those goals point instead to Penn State, Rutgers or Temple within the same Northeast US corridor.
Lincoln University FAQs
Ques. What is the minimum IELTS score for Lincoln University for Indian applicants?
Ans. Lincoln University requires an IELTS overall score of 6.5 for Indian applicants who cannot submit TOEFL. The university does not publish separate component minimums but treats IELTS as equivalent to TOEFL iBT 71 on the 0-120 legacy scale. Indian applicants with English-medium bachelor’s degrees may request a waiver through the Office of International Programs and Services after receiving conditional admission.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time at Lincoln University during studies?
Ans. Yes, F-1 visa holders at Lincoln University may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term time and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work needs Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorisation from the Designated School Official. Common on-campus roles include library assistants, dining services and departmental research support at USD 12 to USD 15 per hour.
Ques. How much financial proof do Indian students need for Lincoln University F-1 visa?
Ans. Indian applicants must show liquid funds covering at least the first year’s total cost of attendance, roughly USD 38,000 (INR 35.97 lakh) as of 2026-27. Acceptable evidence includes a recent bank statement, sponsor’s Affidavit of Support and an education loan sanction letter from an Indian bank. Multiple sponsors are allowed if the total dollar figure meets or exceeds the university’s stated threshold.
Ques. Does Lincoln University require GRE or GMAT for MBA admission?
Ans. Lincoln University’s MBA programme through SACE does not mandate GRE or GMAT for most applicants, positioning as an accessible entry point for working professionals. Applicants with a strong bachelor’s GPA (3.0 or above) and two years of work experience are typically waived. Applicants below that threshold may be asked to submit either test to strengthen the file at admissions committee discretion.
Ques. Is Lincoln University Pennsylvania recognised by Indian employers and higher education bodies?
Ans. Yes, Lincoln University holds Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accreditation, which the Association of Indian Universities recognises for equivalence to Indian degrees. The university’s degrees are accepted by Indian employers, PSU recruitment panels and Indian higher-education bodies for further study. WES-verified transcripts from Lincoln University are routinely accepted for Indian government roles, PhD admissions and civil-services applications.
Ques. What is the application fee for Indian applicants to Lincoln University?
Ans. Lincoln University charges an application fee of USD 20 (INR 1,893) for both undergraduate and graduate international applications, one of the lowest fee bands among US HBCUs. The fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card or international bank transfer through the online application portal. Fee waivers are not typically extended to international applicants, unlike some domestic-only US institutions.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund Lincoln University tuition through education loans?
Ans. State Bank of India, HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda and Avanse routinely fund Lincoln University tuition given its MSCHE accreditation and I-20 documentation. Loan sanctions of INR 25 lakh to INR 40 lakh cover full tuition and living costs for a two-year MBA or M.Ed. programme. Collateralised loans typically clear at 9% to 10.5% interest for eligible Indian families.
Ques. How does Lincoln University support new Indian students on arrival?
Ans. The Office of International Programs and Services runs a dedicated arrival orientation covering airport pickup coordination, SEVIS check-in, campus tour and Social Security Number processing. New Indian students are assigned a peer mentor and connected with the International Cultural Center for community events. On-campus banking, mobile plan setup and cultural adjustment workshops are held in the first two weeks of term.
Find A Program
Top Recommended Courses
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Bachelor of Science [B.S] Computer Science
Do you think the fees are wrong ? Report Here
Course Finder - Search from 50K+ courses
Popular Streams:

Overall 401 out of 1600 in Global Ranking
Do you think the Rankings are wrong ? Report Here
Lincoln University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claes Isacson Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeNeed-Based | |
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
Do you think the Scholarship is wrong ? Report Here
Lincoln University Admissions
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Lincoln University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1243 | 1243 | - | - |



















Comments
Found 3 Comments
20 USD is the application fee for undergraduate programs and 50 USD for graduate programs.
Make sure you fulfill the prerequisites for F-1 student visas, which include being accepted into a top-notch academic program at a school with SEVP certification and possessing a valid passport. To find out more about the courses, fees, and other details, you can look through the Lincoln University courses, though.
I want to apply for a USA study visa.
Ensure you meet the essential eligibility criteria for F-1 student visas, including having a valid passport and acceptance into an excellent academic program at a SEVP-certified institution. However, you can explore the Lincoln University courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.