Liberty University is a private institution established in 1971. It boasts a total undergraduate enrollment of 48,906 as of fall 2022, and its campus spans 7,000 acres. The university follows a semester-based academic calendar. In the 2024 edition of Best Colleges, Liberty University is ranked in the category of National Universities, placing between #395 and #435. The tuition and fees amount to $25,040.
Situated in central Virginia, Liberty University is a Christian institution offering studies across a diverse array of academic fields through its 15 colleges and schools. Founded by the late Jerry Falwell, a prominent Baptist minister, televangelist, and conservative political activist, the university has a strong Christian ethos. A significant portion of Liberty’s student body is enrolled in its extensive selection of over 100 undergraduate online degree programs.
Liberty University boasts several graduate schools, including a law school and a college of osteopathic medicine, alongside a school of education that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Emphasizing a Christian worldview, the university strives to equip students with a foundation in the liberal arts. According to its mission statement, students are encouraged to maintain a steadfast commitment to their Christian faith and to embody its principles in their daily lives.
Liberty University offers over 550 academic programs, available both on its campus in Virginia, Lynchburg, and online. These offerings encompass associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, as well as undergraduate- and graduate-level certificate programs. Additionally, students have the opportunity to pursue specialist degrees in education and theology at Liberty University.
The university has been providing online education since 1985, attracting a diverse student body comprising both domestic and international students to its extensive range of online programs. The majority of the school’s online courses are structured in eight-week formats, offering flexibility to students. Additionally, some programs may necessitate students to attend campus for one or two weeks annually for face-to-face instruction.
Liberty University facilitates the transfer of credits from previous college courses and may also recognize training and on-the-job experience for credit. Its online degree programs provide various pathways for individuals to pursue their desired careers, often in shorter timeframes than anticipated.
The majority of tuition fees for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees at Liberty University have remained unchanged for the past nine years. This stands in contrast to many other online colleges that have raised tuition fees over the same period. Liberty University’s ability to maintain low costs can be attributed to its status as a nonprofit university, allowing it to prioritize affordability for its students.
Liberty University’s tuition of $25,040 is notably cheaper compared to the national average cost of tuition, which amounts to $43,477. These figures encompass both tuition and fees, often referred to as the sticker price. It’s important to note that fees vary among institutions and may cover a range of services such as library access, student gym facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.
The total cost amounts to $44,428. The net price, on the other hand, represents the average cost of attending the university after deducting aid and scholarship funds from the total cost. For the average student receiving need-based aid, the net price is $31,437.
Liberty University boasts an acceptance rate of 99%. Among admitted applicants who submitted test scores, half achieved SAT scores between 980 and 1200 or ACT scores between 17 and 24. However, one quarter of admitted applicants scored above these ranges, while another quarter scored below. Notably, Liberty University operates on a rolling application deadline.
Admissions officials at Liberty University place significant emphasis on a student’s GPA as a crucial academic factor during the application review process. Additionally, high school class rank and letters of recommendation, where provided, are also carefully considered by the admissions team at Liberty University.
Liberty University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which was approved in late 2016 for the subsequent 10 years. Additionally, specific programs within the university have earned accreditation from other specialized accrediting bodies. For instance, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Liberty University’s bachelor’s, master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.
At Liberty University, an array of student resources and support offices are available to assist you academically, spiritually, personally, and professionally. The university is dedicated to fostering your success in all aspects of life, and therefore offers various support services designed to help you thrive.
- Career Center: Provides educational and career development opportunities for online students and alumni, aiding in their professional growth and advancement.
- Writing Services and Online Writing Center: Offers tutorials, presentations, and web resources to help online students meet college-level writing standards, enhancing their academic success.
- Liberty University Jerry Falwell Library: Grants online students access to thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals through the Jerry Falwell Library research portal, facilitating their research and studies.
- IT Marketplace: Provides online students with greatly discounted rates on the purchase of computers, software, and other technology essentials, ensuring they have access to the tools necessary for their academic journey.
Liberty University’s online degree programs are crafted to provide individuals with the opportunity to earn their degrees from the comfort of their homes. While completing their online degree programs remains their priority, students have the option to experience the university atmosphere by visiting the campus. Liberty University offers numerous opportunities for its globally dispersed students to explore its brick-and-mortar campus. Additionally, many online students choose to attend campus graduation ceremonies to celebrate their academic achievements.
