Lincoln University, which was established under the Second Morrill Act of 1890 as a land grant institution, has received a full state match for its federal land-grant funding during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
The funding represents a critical investment in the University’s mission to support the education of practical agriculture, science, military science and engineering. The funding directly supports the university’s Cooperative Extension and Research efforts that have state, regional, and national reach.
The land-grant system was established by the 1862 Morrill Act, which established publicly funded institutions focused on agriculture and technology.
In previous years, the university’s state funding has not met the requirement for federal support. For example, in 2021, Lincoln received a 50% state match – or $4.9 million of the required $9.75 million.
“Achieving a full state match each year is critical to our success in achieving our mission,” said Dr. John Moseley, Lincoln University president.
“Allowing us to fully leverage federal support, these resources strengthen opportunities for Lincoln students and faculty and positively impact the state, the Midwest region and beyond.”
In September 2023, Inside Higher Education reported that 16 of the country’s 19 historically Black land-grant universities have been underfunded by their states by a total of $13 billion, according to the federal analysis of per-student state spending data from 1987 to 2020.
Only two states, Ohio and Delaware, were found to have equitably funded their HBCU land grants. The other states’ institutions had funding gaps between $172 million to $2.14 billion compared with their predominantly white counterparts.
The country’s traditionally white land grants were first established in 1862, and there are now 57 of these so-called 1862 universities. Not all of them were open to Black students, though, so Congress created the historically Black land grants in 1890. These institutions, referred to as “1890 universities,” are mostly located in the South.
FAFSA support session at SLU January 25
The Missouri College and Career Attainment Network (MOCAN) will offer parents and students support on completing FAFSA forms for the 2025-25 school year.
The priority deadline to file the FAFSA for the Access Missouri Grant Program in Missouri is February 3, 2025 Free expert assistance is available from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday January 25, in locations across the state including St. Louis University.
“The FAFSA is the key to financial aid for college,” said Kaitlyn Venta, MOCAN director of affordability.
“Students can gain access to the federal Pell Grant, the state Access Missouri grant, as well as private scholarship opportunities. If you are enrolling in college, take the time to file your FAFSA and see what you are eligible for.”
Counselors and college access professionals are also invited to the session, which will be held at Morrissey Hall. Room 2712, 3700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
“Affordability is the biggest challenge students face when considering college and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step,” according to Venta.
Completing the FAFSA is essential for students seeking to maximize their financial aid awards. Each year, over 13 million students who file the FAFSA get more than $120 billion in grants, work-study, and student loans from the U.S. Department of Education.
“Last year Missouri students left a whopping $78,820,804 of unclaimed Pell Grants on the table, which is why it’s important to get out the word.”
For additional information, visit MOFAFSA.org.