Accreditation

Lincoln University is an accreditation reaffirmed institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Lincoln University's accreditation status is Accreditation Reaffirmed. The Commission’s most recent action on the institution’s accreditation
status on June 27, 2019 was to reaffirm accreditation.

MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The Commission employs seven standards (14th edition) or characteristics of excellence in the accreditation process.  Accreditation institutions are expected to demonstrate these standards in substantial measure. The standards include:

1. Mission and Goals
2. Ethics and Integrity
3. Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience
4. Support of the Student Experience
5. Educational Effectiveness Assessment
6. Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement
7. Governance, Leadership, and Administration

MSCHE Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation (14th edition)

The Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation (Fourteenth Edition) remains in effect for those who entered Self-Study Institute (SSI) before fall 2026. Those institutions will host evaluation visits in 2026-2027, 2027-2028, and 2028-2029. Institutions with actions dated before July 1, 2026, will also use the Fourteenth Edition of the standards for reporting.

MSCHE Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation (15th edition)

The Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation (Fifteenth Edition) is effective July 1, 2026. Those who entered Self-Study Institute (SSI) in or after fall 2026 will utilize the Fifteenth Edition. Those institutions will host evaluation visits in 2029-2030 and thereafter. Actions dated after July 1, 2026, will also use the Fifteenth Edition of the standards.