Lincoln University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Lincoln University in Lincoln University, PA with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lincoln University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (1,670 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lincoln University is located in Lincoln University, PA (Town Fringe setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Lincoln University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lincoln University 12:1; Centra College 3:1.

Lincoln University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lincoln University or Centra College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lincoln University are 6.5% lower than at Centra College ($11,616 vs. $12,424).
• Centra College is 3.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lincoln University (about $471 more per year; $12,983.00 vs. $12,512.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.3% higher at Lincoln University than at Centra College (about $6,401 more per year; $19,384.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lincoln University than at Centra College (94% vs. 0%).

Lincoln University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lincoln University or Centra College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Centra College and Lincoln University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lincoln University 820/960.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lincoln University - Test optional; Centra College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lincoln University May 1, 2027.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Lincoln University (65.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.3% at Lincoln University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Lincoln University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lincoln University and Centra College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Graduates from Centra College earn a median of about $9,700 more per year than Lincoln University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $35,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $19,458 lower median loan debt than Lincoln University graduates ($12,042 vs. $31,500).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $201 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lincoln University graduates ($124 vs. $325).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lincoln University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 32%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.