Lincoln University Reports Continued Enrollment, Retention and Academic Growth for Students in 2025

Academic performance, enrollment and retention continues to rise across Lincoln University.

Lincoln University of Missouri continues to see strong momentum in enrollment, student success and academic achievement, marking another year of progress. Recent academic investments and student support initiatives are driving measurable gains across the University.

For fall 2025, total enrollment increased by 9.83% to 2,256 students, reflecting Lincoln’s ongoing growth in both undergraduate and graduate programs. New students now represent approximately 42% of total enrollment, and the university continues to attract a diverse student population, with 47 international countries represented and nearly a quarter coming from out of state. 

Lincoln University achieved a historic milestone in student success this year: the first-time, full-time freshman retention rate rose to 64.4%, the highest level in 30 years. 

“Our efforts to improve student success are delivering the kind of results we envisioned,” said Lincoln University President John B. Moseley. “Our students' upward momentum in academic performance and persistence demonstrates they are thriving here academically and personally.”

Academic performance continues to rise across the university. The average cumulative GPA for all full-time students reached 3.06, up from 2.84 in 2022. Full-time undergraduate students now hold an average GPA of 3.01, while graduate students maintain a GPA of 3.85.

Comparing the end of the academic year 2023-24 to the end of 2024-25, first-time freshmen saw significant academic improvement as the average GPA rose by 5%, reflecting stronger academic preparation and engagement in their first year. In addition, male students saw a 1.68% increase in GPA, narrowing the gender gap with females holding steady at 3.09 and males rising to 3.03. Black students also showed positive momentum with a 1.9% improvement.

“We are deeply proud of the academic progress our students are making,” President Moseley said. “Their success is a testament to the faculty, staff and programs that are dedicated to helping every Blue Tiger reach their fullest potential.”

As Lincoln University builds on these achievements, continued investments in academic innovation, technology and student support remain central to its mission. LU remains committed to supporting students academically and strengthening first-year experiences through programs such as University College, Blue Tiger Connect and the Summer Bridge program, which supported 105 students during summer 2025.

With record retention, rising GPAs and sustained enrollment growth, the university continues the 2025-2026 academic year with strong momentum and a focus on student success.