Lincoln University

Lincoln University is a private nonprofit university in downtown Oakland, California. Its compact campus and adult, international, and working-student orientation sit alongside two quite different academic paths: business degrees from bachelor’s through doctorate, and a focused undergraduate program in diagnostic imaging. Before comparing tuition or applying, there is a critical point for every prospective student to understand: WSCUC currently lists the university as accredited on probation, and its directory says Lincoln does not distribute federal financial aid. Those conditions can affect how a degree is financed and how students assess institutional risk.

What you can study

Lincoln’s undergraduate options include a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, available on campus and through distance education, and a Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Imaging. The latter includes ultrasound training, with concentrations in sonography and echocardiography, hands-on lab work, and clinical externships. The university says graduates are prepared to sit for relevant professional examinations; applicants should confirm eligibility with the certifying body for their intended credential and state before enrolling.

Graduate business choices include the MBA, an MS in International Business, an MS in Finance Management, and the Doctor of Business Administration. The MBA is available on campus and at a distance; the other graduate degrees are listed as on-campus programs in WSCUC’s directory. Lincoln describes the DBA as an advanced program combining business disciplines with applied research. Compare the actual course schedule, expected completion time, teaching format, and any required foundation courses with your work and family commitments. The official academics pages outline the program content and delivery options.

Accreditation status: read this before enrolling

WSCUC’s current directory lists Lincoln University as an active Oakland campus and “Accredited on Probation,” following a Commission action on June 26, 2026. WSCUC explains that probation reflects significant issues of noncompliance with one or more accreditation standards; it is a public sanction, not a claim that accreditation has already been withdrawn. The directory lists a progress report for fall 2026 and a special visit for spring 2027. Ask the university and WSCUC what the latest action means for your specific program, credits, graduation timeline, and plans to transfer or pursue further study. The Business Studies Unit separately holds programmatic accreditation through IACBE; that is distinct from the university’s institutional accreditation and does not cancel the probation status.

There is a second practical limitation: WSCUC’s listing states that Lincoln does not distribute federal financial aid. Do not assume that a FAFSA, Pell Grant, or federal student loan will be available through this institution. Confirm your financing plan in writing before paying a deposit, and ask about what happens to your enrollment if your expected funding does not come through.

Tuition, scholarships, and paying for school

The university’s fee schedule is effective for fall 2026. Tuition is charged by course and unit rather than as one flat degree price. Published rates include $865 per unit for many undergraduate business and diagnostic-imaging courses, $1,125–$1,175 for specified upper-level undergraduate courses, and $1,190 per unit for listed graduate courses; some foundational courses have lower rates. A semester registration fee is $275, and diagnostic-imaging lab use is an additional $100 per lab unit. Books, living expenses, and other course or administrative charges can add to the total. Use the official fall 2026 fee schedule to calculate the courses in your degree plan, then request an individualized estimate before committing.

Lincoln offers institution-funded scholarships, tuition discounts, and waivers. Incoming students with strong academic records may apply for a merit scholarship using the university form, a recommendation, and a short essay. Continuing students may apply for a Board of Trustees award; a selected student entering the undergraduate senior year may receive a $500 Leadbetter scholarship. Need-based discounts may also be considered. These awards are term-specific, require reapplication, and reduce tuition or fees rather than providing cash. Athletic awards may cover part or all of tuition for a term. The university also says students can seek private loans, which may require a U.S. citizen or permanent-resident cosigner. Read the conditions and ask what funding is actually available to you; do not budget on an award until it is confirmed.

Oakland campus and visiting

The main campus and contact address is 401 15th Street, Oakland, CA 94612, in downtown Oakland near public transit. The main phone is (510) 628-8010; admissions questions can be sent to admissions@lincolnuca.edu. WSCUC lists the Oakland location as the university’s active main campus, and the university publishes no additional physical campus in its current campus information. Its general listing hours are Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday closed. Call ahead to confirm department availability, especially if you are visiting to meet a specific program, admissions, or financial-services staff member.

What students say, and what to ask

Public student comments are mixed and the sample is modest. On Niche, some reviewers praise approachable instructors, helpful staff, and a diverse small-campus community. Other comments raise concerns about organization, scheduling, delayed course or externship completion, and changes in financial support. The comments span different years and individual programs, so they are prompts for questions rather than a prediction of every student’s experience. Ask your department for a sample semester schedule, expected time to finish, externship placement arrangements for diagnostic imaging, and a clear written breakdown of tuition and funding. For business programs, ask which classes are offered in the format and term you need.

Before applying, compare the details for your specific degree with the current accreditation and fee information, and ask the admissions office to confirm the program’s format, start date, and total charges in writing. You can begin through Lincoln’s official application portal and review scholarship and discount requirements. An application is not a substitute for confirming how the probation status and lack of federal aid fit your educational and financial plans.