Lincoln University of Missouri Reports Increases in Spring 2025 Retention and Enrollment

Lincoln University of Missouri has reported an increase in enrollment and retention rates for the Spring 2025 semester.

Adding to the 14.17% overall enrollment growth experienced in fall 2024, Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) reports that increases in enrollment and retention have contributed to student body growth for the spring 2025 semester. Retention numbers for Spring 2025 are at a 14-year high.

The retention rate for new full-time students from Fall 2024 to Spring 2025 has increased by nearly 5%. It currently stands at 88.22%, up from 83.91% during the same period last year (Fall 2023 to Spring 2024). This is the highest retention the University has achieved since 2011, since records have been maintained in the current system. Total enrollment for Spring 2025, including both undergraduate and graduate students, is 2,093—an 8.39% increase from Spring 2024.

“We are proud to see such positive growth in our Spring 2025 enrollment,” said Lincoln University President Dr. John B. Moseley. “This increase, along with our improved retention rate, reflects the success of faculty and staff’s ongoing efforts to support students and foster their academic success.”

Undergraduate enrollment for Spring 2025 has increased by 7.24%, with 1,954 students enrolled compared to 1,822 last year. The number of full-time undergraduate students has increased by 12.39%, from 1,138 in Spring 2024 to 1,279 in Spring 2025. Graduate enrollment has seen a notable 27.52% jump, rising to 139 students from 109 in Spring 2024, with the number of full-time graduate students rising by 17.54%.

According to Moseley, new academic offerings, such as LU’s online master's degree programs, are attracting more students, and new academic support initiatives, such as the University College program and the Connect Blue partnership with State Fair Community College, are helping first-time students reach success.

“We continue to focus on improving retention and enrollment numbers to help more students persist in reaching their dream of a college degree,” said Dr. Moseley. “We remain committed to providing a nurturing, supportive environment where every student can succeed.”