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Liberty University

Accept Rate
99.32%
Grad Rate
64.5%
Enrollment
50,059
Tuition
$21,222
Median Salary
$44,813
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C+
Value
C
Admissions
B+
Diversity
A
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Liberty University offers a large, faith-centered campus experience with a strong emphasis on Christian values and community spirit. The campus is known for its modern facilities and a vibrant, though sometimes overwhelming, student body. You'll find a mix of traditional and online learners, creating a unique dynamic atmosphere.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

99.32%
Open Admission

Test Optional

This school does not require SAT/ACT scores for admission

Admissions Tips

Apply through the Liberty University Admissions Portal for a streamlined process, as they have a rolling admissions policy. Since they are test-optional and have a high acceptance rate, focus on a strong personal essay that aligns with the university's mission and values. If you are an online student, be sure to explore financial aid options early, as the process can differ from residential students.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1200
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Liberty is a leader in online education, offering a vast array of degree programs alongside its residential campus. Strong programs include aviation, business, and counseling, supported by state-of-the-art facilities like a flight school and research centers. The curriculum integrates a biblical worldview into all disciplines, appealing to students seeking faith-based learning.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
18.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
14.9%
Psychology
11.1%
Education
7.3%
Philosophy & Religion
5.9%
Criminal Justice
5.8%
Health Professions
5.4%
Transportation
4.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.4%
Legal Studies
3.2%
Computer Science
2.4%
Public Administration
2.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

64.5%
Graduation Rate
78.8%
Retention Rate
50,059
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$21,222
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$29,552
After financial aid
Total Cost
$41,707
Cost of attendance/year
39.1%
Receive Pell Grants
49%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Lynchburg

Lynchburg is a mid-sized city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering outdoor activities like hiking and tubing. The downtown area features a growing arts and food scene, though it is quieter than a major metropolis. Student life is heavily influenced by the university's religious life programs and on-campus events.

Local Rent Check

$966 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Lynchburg
Explore Lynchburg

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$84,888
$0Est. 4 Years: $84,888

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($44,813):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in Lynchburg, VA, which generally has a moderate crime rate, but the university maintains a strict honor code and a visible campus security presence. Students often report feeling safe within the campus boundaries due to community vigilance and extensive security patrols.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extensive online degree programs with flexibility for working adults
  • โœ“ State-of-the-art campus facilities including a law school and aviation center
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and shared values among students
  • โœ“ Test-optional admissions policy making it accessible

Cons

  • โœ— Lower graduation rate compared to national averages
  • โœ— Strict behavioral honor code may not suit all lifestyles
  • โœ— Location is somewhat isolated from major urban centers

Notable Alumni

Randy Falco
Former President of Univision and senior executive at AOL.
Michelle Fenty
Former First Lady of the Dominican Republic and advocate for education.
Willis Staley
Former athletic director who helped build the university's sports programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Liberty is a evangelical Christian university, and all students are required to take religious coursework. However, the campus welcomes students from various backgrounds who respect the community standards.

No, Liberty University is **test-optional**. Admissions decisions are based on GPA, coursework, and other factors, making it accessible to a wider range of applicants.

Most residential students live on campus in university-owned housing. The campus offers a variety of dorms and apartment-style living, fostering a close-knit community environment.

Liberty's online programs are robust and utilize the same curriculum as on-campus courses. Online students have access to digital resources and support, but miss out on the traditional campus community aspects.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Liberty University Centra Health Bank of America Wells Fargo Amazon
Smart Start Score
55

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 70,898
  • In-State Tuition $21,222
  • Zip Code 24515

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.6% โ™€ 55.4%

The Money Talk

With tuition around $21,222, Liberty is positioned as a more affordable option among private universities. The graduation rate is a point of concern, which can impact long-term ROI, but the earnings potential is solid for the region. The university offers significant scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages to help offset costs.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $21,222
Housing (12 mo) $11,592
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $40,014
With avg financial aid:
$29,552/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.