LINC trades 11.1% below Wall Street's consensus target of $53.80.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes LINC achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 61.6x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 15 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of June 21, 2026, Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $53.80, based on estimates from 15 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $48.43, this represents a potential upside of +11.1%. The company has a market capitalization of $1.54B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $38.00 to a high of $60.00, representing a 41% spread in expectations. The median target of $56.00 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Buy, with 7 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,5 rating it Hold, and 3 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The mixed ratings reflect uncertainty about near-term direction.
From a valuation perspective, LINC trades at a trailing P/E of 74.5x and forward P/E of 61.6x. Analysts expect EPS to grow +10.0% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $35.90, with bear and bull scenarios of $22.62 and $47.30 respectively. Model confidence stands at 52/100, reflecting moderate uncertainty in projections.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UTIUniversal Technical Institute, Inc. | $2.2B | $40.35 | $44.00 | +9.0% | Buy | 52.1x | 11 |
PRDOPerdoceo Education Corporation | $2.0B | $32.03 | $44.00 | +37.4% | Hold | 11.0x | 9 |
COCOThe Vita Coco Company, Inc. | $4.8B | $84.02 | $69.50 | -17.3% | Buy | 48.5x | 14 |
GHCGraham Holdings Company | $5.0B | $1144.66 | — | — | — | 16.6x | — |
LOPEGrand Canyon Education, Inc. | $3.8B | $141.59 | $100.00 | -29.4% | Buy | 14.1x | 18 |
STRAStrategic Education, Inc. | $1.7B | $75.33 | $87.00 | +15.5% | Buy | 10.5x | 18 |
APEIAmerican Public Education, Inc. | $967M | $52.72 | $57.86 | +9.7% | Hold | 20.6x | 19 |
LAURLaureate Education, Inc. | $5.2B | $36.43 | $39.00 | +7.1% | Buy | 17.1x | 11 |
CHGGChegg, Inc. | $118M | $1.05 | $30.42 | +2797.1% | Hold | — | 22 |
COURCoursera, Inc. | $906M | $5.35 | $7.79 | +45.6% | Buy | 13.0x | 17 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying LINC stock.
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation (LINC) has a consensus 12-month price target of $53.8, implying 11.1% upside from $48.43. The 15 analysts covering LINC see moderate appreciation potential.
LINC has a consensus rating of "Buy" based on 15 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 5 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $53.8 implies 11.1% upside from current levels.
At a forward P/E of 61.561x, LINC trades at a premium valuation. The consensus price target of $53.8 (11.1% upside) suggests analysts still see growth justifying the multiple.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $60 for LINC, while the most conservative target is $38. The consensus of $53.8 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $47 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
LINC is well covered by analysts, with 15 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 7 have Buy ratings, 5 recommend Hold, and 3 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month LINC stock forecast based on 15 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $53.8, with estimates ranging from $38 (bear case) to $60 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Buy". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $36, with bear/bull scenarios of $23/$47.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates LINC's fair value at $36 (base case), with a bear case of $23 and bull case of $47. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 52/100.
LINC trades at a forward P/E ratio of 61.6x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 74.5x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Wall Street analysts are optimistic on LINC, with a "Buy" consensus rating and $53.8 price target (11.1% upside). 7 of 15 analysts rate it Buy or Strong Buy. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
LINC analyst price targets range from $38 to $60, a 41% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $53.8 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $23-$47 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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