Overview of Lincoln Christian University
Lincoln Christian University (LCU) is a Christian higher education community whose mission is to nurture and equip Christians with a Biblical worldview to serve and lead in the church and the world. Founded in 1944, Lincoln has grown to an annual enrollment of about 1,000 with more than 5,500 graduates serving in nearly every state in this country and in more than 120 other countries worldwide.
Students enjoy an intimate campus environment:
• student/faculty ratio of less than 14:1 • the comfort that small town America provides • studying with faculty and staff who have a global heart and a passion for the world in all its diversity. • Opportunities for service—from nearby neighborhoods to international settings.
LCU is affiliated with independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, a non-denominational fellowship of more than one
million members in six thousand congregations in the United States and more than twice that many worldwide.Students at LCU represent
more than thirty different denominations, though the majority are members of independent churches. We welcome all who support
our mission, core values, and basic beliefs.
Lincoln Christian University was launched on May 4, 1944, with the rallying cry, “The Preachers Are Coming”. The immediate goal of founding president Earl Hargrove was to prepare preachers and other church leaders to bring new leadership to the many struggling churches in downstate Illinois. Since then, Lincoln has grown to offer a wide range of programs to almost 30, from business to worship, with degrees that include two-year Associate of Arts, four-year Bachelor of Arts, several master’s degrees, and Doctor of Ministry.
Lincoln Christian University is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education, The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Seminary is also accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
Recent surveys have this to say about Lincoln Christian University:
| • LCU rated well above other Bible colleges and other Christian colleges on the Student Satisfaction Inventory—a national survey of students’ own feelings about the quality of education and student life | |
| • LCU rated in the top third among all colleges and universities in this country for students ability to read, write, and think critically, as measured by the ACT CAAP assessment—a nationally normed test of these skills among graduating students | |
| • LCU is listed in the Templeton Guide to Colleges That Promote Character Development—one of a select number of colleges noted for our strong promotion of students’ spiritual development | |
| • LCU rated in the top 10% nationally in the National Survey of Student Engagement for Collaborative Learning and Supportive Campus Environment and rated well above the national norms for private colleges on all five major categories— National Survey of Student Engagement is a national benchmark for the level of learning and support that students experience | |
| • LCU was named a Best Christian Workplace in 2009 by Best Christian Workplaces Institute—one of only seven Christian colleges and seminaries in this country so honored for the high regard our faculty and staff have for this school as a place of service. |
The campus of Lincoln Christian University has grown considerably over the last few years, with many millions spent to enhance and improve our learning environment for students. Recent projects include:
• Ruth Hall – women’s residence hall
• Laughlin Center - athletic facility
• remodeled and expanded cafeteria
• redesigned student union and student services facility
• numerous classroom upgrades.
• Wireless Internet access is available throughout much of campus.
LCU has housing for more than 600 single students, as well as 56 apartments for married student housing. Additional campus upgrades on the drawing board include a remodeled seminary building, a new library facility, and a remodeled classroom and faculty office complex. Our current strategic plan calls for an increase in enrollment to 1,500 students within the next five yearswith the addition of new academic programs.