Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Harrogate, Tennessee
59.3% Acceptance Rate
Lincoln Memorial University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
59.3%Acceptance Rate
3.29Avg GPA
1093Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$39,096Annual Cost
$49,956Grad Salary
36.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
59.3%
Avg GPA
3.29
Avg SAT
1093
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1006–1220
ACT Middle 50%
19–24
Need-Based Aid
36.4% receive Pell
Lincoln Memorial University is a comprehensive private institution in Tennessee that provides a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Known for its commitment to regional service, academic excellence, and accessible education, the university offers a wide range of opportunities in fields like education, business, and medicine. Its focus on student success, supportive faculty, and practical career preparation makes it a reliable and high-value choice for those seeking a comprehensive, well-rounded degree.
Lincoln Memorial University Acceptance Rate
Lincoln Memorial University is moderately selective. 59.3% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What LMU Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 59.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.29 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.09 – 3.28
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.84
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Lincoln Memorial University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Lincoln Memorial University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
LMU reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (Priority: 2026/02/01) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
LMU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at LMU is 3.29. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.99–3.29 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.49–3.69.LMU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context, such as leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.29 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.09 – 3.28
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.89 – 3.08
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.88
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Located in Harrogate, TN (Cumberland Gap); test-optional through Fall 2026 with 3.2+ unweighted HS GPA generally sufficient for Regular Admission.
- LMU Guaranteed Professional Admission (GPA) Pathway offers guaranteed interviews/admission to professional programs (osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, law, etc.) for qualifying high schoolers/transfers.
- DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (LMU-DCOM) mission explicitly targets placing physicians in underserved Appalachia; campuses in Harrogate, Knoxville, and (2026) Orange Park, FL.
- Acceptance rate roughly 63-74% depending on source; average SAT near 1110, average ACT near 21.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at LMU
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Lincoln Memorial University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at LMU. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into LMU Without SAT or ACT?
LMU considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Lincoln Memorial University Average SAT Score: 1093
Admitted students at Lincoln Memorial University average a 1093 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1093 — Accessible
A 1093 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1220 SAT or 24 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Lincoln Memorial University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1006? A retake is worth it at LMU. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 562 | 513 | 610 |
| SAT Reading | 552 | 493 | 610 |
| SAT Composite | 1093 | 1006 | 1220 |
A score under 1006 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1220+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) with a 1200 SAT?
At 1200, your SAT is squarely in LMU's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) ACT Requirements
LMU's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 24 |
| ACT English | 21 | 18 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 24 |
Can I get into Lincoln Memorial University with a 24 ACT?
At 24, you're in the top quarter of LMU's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, LMU weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for LMU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
LMU takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Consider the LMU GPA Pathway if you already know you want medical, dental, or another professional degree
High school seniors or transfer students can apply for guaranteed admission into LMU's professional graduate programs (like the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine or College of Dental Medicine) before even starting undergrad, contingent on hitting specific GPA and test benchmarks throughout college. If you're set on a specific professional path, apply to this pathway alongside your regular undergraduate application rather than waiting until junior year to think about graduate school.
Know the exact GPA benchmarks you must maintain if enrolled in a GPA Pathway
Pathways typically require maintaining a 3.3 science GPA and 3.2 non-science GPA throughout undergrad, with a C+ minimum in required courses (though a B or better is generally expected). Treat these thresholds as hard floors from day one, not goals to worry about later, since falling below them can forfeit your guaranteed admission slot.
Submit a 650+ word personal statement addressing your specific career path if applying to a GPA Pathway
The guaranteed admission personal statement must detail how you arrived at your specific career goal, distinct from a general college application essay. Write this as a focused narrative about your path toward medicine, dentistry, or your chosen professional field, not a generic "why college" essay.
Leverage LMU's test-optional undergraduate policy through Fall 2026
LMU is considering undergraduate applicants from a test-optional perspective through Fall 2026, with a 3.2+ unweighted GPA generally sufficient for Regular Admission. If your test scores are weak but your GPA is strong, this is a real opportunity to let your transcript carry the application rather than submitting scores that could hurt you.
Expert Insight:
Applicants pursuing a GPA Pathway sometimes treat the guaranteed admission promise as a finish line rather than a floor, then let their GPA slip below the 3.2-3.3 benchmark partway through undergrad, forfeiting the guarantee they worked to earn. The pathway requires sustained performance throughout college, not just strong initial acceptance.
LMU Profile
Full Name
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)
City
Harrogate
State
Tennessee
ZIP Code
37752-8231
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a LMU Degree Worth It?
Whether LMU is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $43,500, and graduates see a 3.56% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from LMU Cost?
Listed tuition runs $39,096/year at LMU. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At LMU, 36.4% receive a Pell Grant and 54.4% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming LMU on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a LMU Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, LMU graduates report a median income of $49,956, about 23% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Lincoln Memorial University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | 1044 | 24 |
| Baptist University of Florida | Graceville, FL | 1045 | 20 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Lincoln Memorial University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Lincoln Memorial University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs | Colorado Springs, CO | 1140 | 25 |
| Western Colorado University | Gunnison, CO | 1130 | 25 |
| Lynn University | Boca Raton, FL | 1136 | 25 |
Degree Programs at LMU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About LMU Admissions
Lincoln Memorial University graduates earn a lower median salary of $49,956/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Lincoln Memorial University is moderate, around $39,096/year; many students supplement with aid.
36.4% of Lincoln Memorial University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Lincoln Memorial University's acceptance rate is 59.3%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Lincoln Memorial University students is 3.29, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.99 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Lincoln Memorial University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.89 or below makes admission tougher at Lincoln Memorial University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Lincoln Memorial University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1093, and within the 1006–1220 range, keeps you competitive.
Lincoln Memorial University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Priority: 2026/02/01. That's Lincoln Memorial University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
Explore Other Options
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