As many colleges and universities struggle with declining enrollment, Lincoln University in Jefferson City led all public four-year institutions in Missouri in percentage enrollment growth for the second consecutive year, according to fall 2025 data released by the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development.
Lincoln University, an HBCU, recorded the largest percentage increase in both total headcount enrollment (9.8%) and full-time enrollment (11.5%) among Missouri’s four-year institutions. This is also the second straight year Lincoln has led the state in both categories.
Black undergraduate enrollment increased by 90 students, a 31% year-over-year rise from fall 2024 to fall 2025, growing from 292 to 382 students.
Additional increases were seen among dual-credit students, visiting students and other nontraditional populations, suggesting students from a wide range of backgrounds are choosing Lincoln University for academic, professional and workforce-aligned pathways.
“Lincoln University was founded to expand access, opportunity and upward mobility, and that mission continues to resonate with today’s students,” said Lincoln University President John B. Moseley.
“Across the country, students are thinking more carefully about where — and how — they pursue higher education. Our enrollment data suggest that students are responding to institutions that provide clear pathways, strong support and an environment where they can succeed.”
Lincoln also posted the largest three-year change in both total headcount and full-time enrollment, as well as the largest five-year increase in full-time equivalent enrollment among all four-year institutions, underscoring sustained momentum.
Retention has been key to Lincoln’s growth. The university recorded its two highest first-year retention rates in more than 30 years, with a rate of 61% in 2024 and 64.4% in 2025, reinforcing its focus on persistence and student success.
Retention initiatives include programs such as the Connect Blue partnership with State Fair Community College.
The Summer Bridge Program helps incoming first-year students build academic confidence, strengthen study skills and establish early connections to campus resources before the fall semester begins.
“Programs like Summer Bridge reflect a broader institutional commitment to long-term student achievement,” according to Moseley.
Comparing the end of the 2023-24 academic year to the end of 2024-25, first-time freshmen saw significant academic improvement, with average GPA increasing by 5%, an indicator of stronger academic preparation, engagement and support during students’ first year.
Lincoln has also strengthened its campus infrastructure. Construction of the fully funded $45.5 million Health & Security Sciences Institute is scheduled for completion in summer 2026. In fall 2025, the university completed a $23.5 million renovation of its largest residence hall, along with additional campus upgrades. Plans are underway to break ground on a fully funded $10 million meat-processing research facility.
“As a public HBCU with a long-standing mission of access and opportunity, Lincoln University continues to adapt to meet students where they are,” Moseley said.
“Our recent enrollment trends underscore the importance of pairing access with support and building pathways that help students persist, achieve and succeed well into the future.”