Lincoln University Accreditations

Accreditation and State Authorization 

Lincoln University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association (NCA). HLC's most recent comprehensive evaluation of the University was completed in 2023. 

Because institutions necessarily evolve over time, HLC regularly collects information from each to ensure they are still operating in a manner that warrants accreditation. At Lincoln University, an annual Institutional Data Update is completed by the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment and the Office of the Provost.

Learn more about the HLC 

Statement of Accreditation Status

Further questions regarding the University's relationship with the HLC should be directed to the Office of the Provost (Provost@LincolnU.edu). 

Specialized Accreditations

While accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission extends institution-wide, several colleges, schools, departments, and programs within the University seek and maintain accredited status with other bodies, as well.

Memberships

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
  The associate of applied science in nursing and the bachelor of science in nursing programs are accredited.
• Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
  All teacher education programs are approved.
• Missouri State Board of Nursing
  The associate of applied science in nursing program is approved.
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
  The bachelor of science in social work program is accredited. 

The University also holds institutional membership in the following organizations:

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP)
• Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)
• Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
• American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)
• American Association of University Women (AAUW)
• American Council on Education (ACE)
• American Library Association (ALA)
• Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (AEJMC)
• Association of Continuing Higher Education (ACHE)
• Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP)
• Black College Communication Association (BCCA)
• Council of Historically Black Graduate Schools (CHBGS)
• International Science and Engineer Fair (ISEF)
• Missouri Academy of Science (MAS)
• Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE)
• Missouri Library Association (MLA)
• Missouri Society of Association Executives (MSAE)
• National Association for Business Teacher Education (NABTE)
• National Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)
• National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
• University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA)