25 in ’25 – Lincoln University’s Updated Admission Process is Expanding Opportunity for More Students

Kicking off 2025 with 25 reasons to celebrate Lincoln University. Expanding opportunity, Lincoln University modified its admission and scholarship processes.

Lincoln University of Missouri, the first public, historically Black university in Missouri, is proud to be paving the way toward providing opportunities for more students. The University’s admission and scholarship process updates over recent years represent a point of pride the University is highlighting as part of its “25 in ‘25” initiative.

In recent years, Lincoln University eliminated standardized test scores for its admission process. This change reflected Lincoln University’s commitment to removing barriers for students and creating equitable opportunities for all. The policy shift recognizes the limitations of standardized testing as a one-size-fits-all measure of students' potential. The admissions office now conducts holistic evaluations focusing on high school academic performance and extracurricular activities.  

Missouri residents are eligible for Lincoln with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Non-Missouri residents are admitted based on their successful completion of high school with a 2.0 or greater grade point average. Some Lincoln University academic programs may still require an ACT/SAT score as part of the admissions criteria for the respective discipline.

In addition to this groundbreaking change, Lincoln University has implemented a revised academic scholarship model to provide equitable financial support for students to pursue their educational goals. This new model allows all students who qualify, based on high school performance, to receive academic scholarship dollars.

“The promise of Lincoln University is one we’re working to open up to more prospective students from all backgrounds,” said Lincoln University Executive Director of Enrollment Management Dr. Danisha Williams. “These changes will continue opening doors for talented and hardworking students from all walks of life to become a proud Blue Tiger.”

Since Lincoln Universtiy’s founding in 1866, its longstanding legacy has provided many points of pride for students and the local community. In addition to reforming its admission process, the university provides automatic scholarships and is strengthening recruitment approaches to increase the number of students on campus.

Stay tuned for the rest of the month with more of Lincoln’s 25 in ‘25.