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Lincoln University vs Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Lincoln University is a public university in Lincoln University, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is a public university in University Park, PA. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants and Lincoln University about 66%, making Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $14,977 a year at Lincoln University after aid, and about $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. About 86% of students graduate at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, compared with 48% at Lincoln University. Ten years after enrolling, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus alumni earn a median of about $63,435, against $43,167 for Lincoln University.

Lincoln University

Lincoln University, PA · Public

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

University Park, PA · Public
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Lincoln University, PA
University Park, PA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,539
42,284
Acceptance rate
66%
61%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.28–3.78
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
820–960
1240–1420
ACT (middle 50%)
18–22
27–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$14,977
$32,875
Full cost / yr
$28,505
$39,694
In-state tuition
$12,512
$20,644
Out-of-state tuition
$19,384
$41,790
Application fee
$0
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$14,011
$19,845
$30k - $48k
$13,000
$20,049
$48k - $75k
$15,641
$25,667
$75k - $110k
$19,881
$31,834
Over $110k
$21,303
$37,831
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
86%
Freshman retention
73%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$32,865
$55,620
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,167
$63,435
Median debt at graduation
$28,250
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
69%
14%
First-generation students
39%
29%
International students
2%
9%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Feb 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Lincoln University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus harder to get into?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is harder to get into. It admits about 61% of applicants, compared with 66% at Lincoln University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Lincoln University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Lincoln University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,977 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,875 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Lincoln University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Before aid, Lincoln University costs about $28,505 a year and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus about $39,694. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Lincoln University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Lincoln University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $14,011 there, against about $19,845 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lincoln University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is the larger of the two, with about 42,284 undergraduates against 1,539 at Lincoln University.
Does Lincoln University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus have a better graduation rate?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 48% at Lincoln University.
Do graduates of Lincoln University or Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus earn more?
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,435 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,167 for Lincoln University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lincoln University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus require SAT or ACT scores?
Lincoln University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Lincoln University and Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 820–960 at Lincoln University and 1240–1420 at Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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