Claremont Lincoln University Announces New Course-Based Cost Model

The university's innovative approach aims to expand access to undergraduate education.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Claremont Lincoln University (CLU), a nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), has announced a new Course-Based Cost Model to make undergraduate education more accessible. Under this model, students will pay a one-time application fee of $125, $270 per course, and textbook costs, allowing them to complete their degree in as little as 24 months with a predictable and all-inclusive cost structure.

Why it matters

This initiative highlights CLU's leadership in expanding access and creating responsible pathways to degree completion, addressing the growing concerns about the financial burden of higher education. The Course-Based Cost Model aligns predictable costs with academic quality, career relevance, and student success, making education more attainable for current and future leaders.

The details

The new Course-Based Cost Model was made possible through the generous support of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, whose founding partnership with CLU is grounded in a shared conviction that making education attainable is both a moral imperative and a model for leadership in higher education. Under this model, students will pay a one-time application fee of $125, $270 per course, and textbook costs, as applicable. Eligible full-time students can complete their undergraduate degree in as little as 24 months, benefiting from a predictable and all-inclusive cost structure without hidden fees or unexpected tuition increases.

  • The new Course-Based Cost Model was announced on March 10, 2026.

The players

Claremont Lincoln University (CLU)

A nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), dedicated to educating ethical leaders for service in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

A founding partner of CLU, whose shared conviction with the university is that making education attainable is both a moral imperative and a model for leadership in higher education.

Dr. Lynn Priddy, PhD

The President & CEO of Claremont Lincoln University, who believes that degrees and certificates must be relevant, high-value, and serve as catalysts for professional advancement, personal growth, and career mobility.

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What they’re saying

“Degrees and certificates must be relevant, high-value, and serve as catalysts for professional advancement, personal growth, and career mobility.”

— Dr. Lynn Priddy, PhD, President & CEO of Claremont Lincoln University (prweb.com)

“Colleges must be purposeful, offering education with high return on investment without long-term financial burden.”

— Dr. Lynn Priddy, PhD, President & CEO of Claremont Lincoln University (prweb.com)

“We strive to unlock the potential of current and future leaders who seek to address significant social, economic, and environmental challenges.”

— Dr. Lynn Priddy, PhD, President & CEO of Claremont Lincoln University (prweb.com)

What’s next

The new Course-Based Cost Model will be implemented starting in the Fall 2026 semester, providing students with a more affordable and accessible pathway to undergraduate education.

The takeaway

Claremont Lincoln University's innovative Course-Based Cost Model demonstrates a commitment to making higher education more attainable and aligned with the needs of today's students. By offering a predictable and all-inclusive cost structure, CLU is leading the way in expanding access to undergraduate education and empowering the next generation of ethical leaders.