Liberty University is a popular Christian college in the United States. The school’s academics, professors, diversity, and student life all receive high scores from students in recent Liberty University reviews. If you’re looking st schools and wondering if Liberty University is a good school for you, read on.
This article shares Liberty University rankings and answers some of your top questions to help you make an informed decision. We’ve included what Liberty University is best known for, if Liberty University is Ivy League level, and the top degree programs offered by the school, both online and on campus.
Liberty University Profile
- Campus Location(s): Lynchburg, Virginia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Annual Undergraduate Tuition: $22,713
- Annual Graduate Tuition: $7,847
Liberty University is a private, Christian university founded in 1971. It offers over 700 programs of study in the form of associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and professional certificates. Popular fields of study include business, management, and engineering. Liberty prides itself on its strong Christian values and hosts over 80 speakers each year at its convocation weekly gathering.
The school promotes a community life where students are active members of society. The student population is large, with almost 95,000 enrolled, both online and on-campus, including 47,696 undergraduates. Its student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 is impressive for a school of its size. These numbers, plus those in the bullet points above, come from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Where Is Liberty University?
Liberty University’s location is in a beautiful setting in Lynchburg, Virginia, near the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Moreover, the school has a virtual campus accommodating students who prefer distance learning. You can request a virtual tour of the Liberty University online campus.
What Is Liberty University Known For?
Liberty University is perhaps most well known for its religious and moral values. The school also offers many highly sought-after in-person and online programs at the bachelor’s to doctoral levels. Overall, Liberty is among the top 100 universities with the largest endowments in the US, according to the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Is Liberty University Ivy League?
No, Liberty University is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League represents eight private universities in the Northeastern US that have earned the reputation as the most prestigious schools in America. They have very selective admissions procedures, high graduation rates, and high tuition costs. However, this does not negate the achievements of Liberty University.
How Big Is Liberty University?
Liberty University is a very big university, with 94,709 students enrolled. Its campus occupies over 7,000 acres of land and 7 million square feet of building space and has over 177 buildings and structures. Liberty University also states on its website that it is the largest university in Virginia and one of the largest Christian schools in the world.
Is a Degree From Liberty University Good?
Yes, a degree from Liberty University is good. You can kickstart your career in any industry with a degree from Liberty. The school ranks between 301st and 399th among the best national universities in the US, according to US News & World Report. A degree from Liberty will give you an educational advantage in your career while notifying future employers of your Christian faith and values.
How Much Does Liberty University Cost?
Liberty University’s tuition costs are $22,713 for undergraduate students and $7,847 for graduate students per academic year. All students, both Virginia residents, and non-Virginia residents pay the same tuition at Liberty, unlike many other schools. However, the total cost of attendance, including books, mandatory fees, and room and board will be considerably more.
Liberty University Financial Aid
Liberty University features several financial aid opportunities to help students access its educational programs. These opportunities include federal, private, and institutional grants and scholarships, some of which are available for undergraduates and others for graduate students. Below are a few of the top scholarships offered by the school.
Liberty University Scholarships
- Missionary Kid Scholarship. This is a competitive scholarship program for children of missionaries serving outside the United States. The amount is determined by your financial need, academic status, and essay. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen or a legally adopted, eligible non-citizen. You also must be a new undergrad and live on campus and maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 for all four years.
- Word of Life Scholarship. If you’re a transfer student from Word of Life Bible Institute, this scholarship can help you complete your education at Liberty University. Eligibility requirements include transferring directly from WOLBI in New York, Florida, or Argentina with a minimum GPA of 2.7 as a resident undergraduate student. The award amount is $1,000 or $1,500 per year, depending on when you transfer.
- Central Virginia Community College Scholarship. The CVCC Scholarship program is for undergraduate students who have completed an associate degree program at CVCC, with at least a 3.5 GPA, and intend to transfer to Liberty. These students are eligible for $5,000 annually for four years.
- Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. This scholarship program is for members of Phi Theta Kappa. To be eligible, you must also complete a degree program with a minimum 3.5 GPA at a two-year college and transfer to Liberty University. Note that you cannot combine the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship with the CVCC Scholarship. Recipients are awarded $1,000 per year for up to four years.
- Middle America Scholarship. This Liberty University scholarship helps working families put their children through college. Families earning between $35,000 and $95,000 are eligible for the award, which provides up to $5,000 in aid per student per year. You must verify that your FAFSA has an EFC not above $18,000. Students must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens pursuing an undergraduate program.
Liberty University Rankings
Liberty University rankings can help prospective students compare the school to other similar colleges in the US and across the globe. Below, we’ve provided the results of some noteworthy rankings based on key metrics such as student-to-faculty ratios and graduate outcomes.
Liberty University US News & World Report Ranking
Liberty University ranks between 299th and 391st on US News’ list of the top-performing national universities. The school’s nursing programs come in at 536th in the US, and its undergraduate engineering programs rank between 216th and 239th in the nation. With nearly 4,000 universities in the US, these numbers are very good.
Liberty University Times Higher Education Ranking
Times Higher Education doesn’t have any rankings for Liberty University at this time. However, you can find more Liberty University data and rankings on the school’s website.
Liberty University Center for World University Rankings
The Center for World University Rankings has no entry for Liberty University. However, you can explore the school’s US News and World Report subject-specific rankings further.
Liberty University QS World University Rankings
Liberty University is also unavailable on the QS World University Rankings. Nonetheless, other rankings from organizations like College Factual and Niche could help you rate the school.
Liberty University Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities, no Liberty University ranking score or review exists.
Top Programs at Liberty University
Liberty University offers in-demand degree programs with up-to-date curricula for in-person and online students. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate education, you can find your desired program, or a similar one, among Liberty’s 700 programs of study. Below, we briefly discuss some of the top degree programs at Liberty University.
Bachelor’s Degrees at Liberty University
The bachelor’s degree programs at Liberty University come in two types: online and on-campus. Whether you want to explore the Christian campus life that Liberty provides or prefer to study from home, you can expect to receive the same high quality of education. Check out a few of the popular bachelor’s degree programs at Liberty below.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
This 136-credit degree program provided by Liberty University’s school of engineering helps students gain practical and technical skills to excel in their careers. You will learn about structural analysis, transportation engineering, and construction management. It is also available as an online program requiring 130 credit hours.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Law and Policy: Pre-Law
This program could be your answer if you want an undergraduate degree to help you succeed in law school and become a lawyer. Offered on campus through the Helms School of Government, the 120-credit bachelor’s program with a concentration in pre-law features courses in logical reasoning and criminal law.
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology: Flight and Maintenance
In this program, you will gain the knowledge and skills to excel in the aviation profession. Courses include topics in aviation leadership, commercial flight, and turbine engine technology. Provided by Liberty’s School of Aeronautics, the program requires 137 credit hours.
Master’s Degrees at Liberty University
Liberty University’s master’s degree programs are suitable for bachelor’s degree holders who want to advance in their careers. You don’t have to have earned your undergraduate degree from Liberty to be eligible to enroll in the school’s graduate programs. Some of these top programs are outlined below.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
If you’re passionate about law and justice, you might want to consider this program. It is available 100 percent online, with a flexible curriculum that includes courses like public policy and criminal law. This 36-credit-hour program is typically completed by students in just 18 months.
Master of Arts in Communication
This graduate degree program helps you gain mastery of communication techniques for professional purposes, such as negotiation and conflict management. It will also help you improve your writing skills. The 33-credit program is available online and on campus, and you can complete it in less than two years.
Master of Social Work: Advanced Generalist
This program trains students to be compassionate and empathetic while providing professional help to people with mental, physical, or spiritual challenges. Graduates are eligible to work with individuals, communities, and organizations. The program is available online and on campus, and includes a field placement component.
Other Top Programs at Liberty University
In addition to the programs listed above, you can also explore online and on-campus associate degree and doctoral degree programs through Liberty University. We’ve provided examples of these programs below, in in-demand fields, including a look at Liberty’s popular Master of Theology program.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
PhD in Engineering
Liberty University’s engineering doctoral program trains students in advanced engineering concepts and skills and research modalities. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with engineering firms on real-world projects before graduation. The program requires 63 credits and is offered on campus.
Master of Theology
This on-campus postgraduate program is available through the John W Rawlings School of Divinity. The coursework consists of 30 credits and focuses on research and complex Christian principles. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools.
Associate of Arts in Aviation Maintenance Technician
This on-campus associate degree program prepares you for a career in aviation mechanics. You will learn how to assemble, inspect, and maintain an aircraft. The degree requires 82 credits and can be earned in less than three years.
How to Apply to Liberty University
- Complete an application. Get started by applying online on Liberty University’s website. You can also visit the admissions office at the campus to complete your application process if you experience any difficulty, or call to get help.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee. You must pay a non-refundable application fee of $50 after completing your online application. However, you can apply for an application fee waiver if you cannot afford this fee.
- Submit required documents. These documents include a personal essay, high school transcripts, and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. You will also want to submit your enrollment deposit early if you want to be eligible for more scholarship opportunities.
- Apply for financial aid. Apply for financial aid first by submitting your FAFSA form and then by applying for loans and grants. Also, endeavor to complete the Financial Check-In (FCI) provided by the school.
- Register for your courses. After your FCI is successful, you can register for your courses, secure housing, review and verify your account, register your vehicle, and select a payment plan.
How Much Do Liberty University Graduates Earn?
Liberty University graduates earn $58,000 per year, according to PayScale. This is the average annual base salary of all graduates and does not necessarily reflect your earning power. Your salary will depend on many factors, including your skillset, level of experience, and place of work. Nonetheless, you can be confident of earning a good salary as a Liberty graduate.
Is Liberty University a Good College?
Yes, Liberty University is a good college. It has a comprehensive catalog of in-person and virtual degree programs in popular fields of study. This regionally accredited school also offers a high level of support to assist students from admission through graduation. If practicing your Christian beliefs and values during your college education is important to you, Liberty University is a top school to consider.
Is Liberty University a Good School? FAQ
Liberty University has 15 schools. Among these are the School of Engineering, School of Education, School of Music, School of Business, School of Law, School of Aeronautics, School of Nursing, and others, as well as the Helms School of Government and John W Rawlings School of Divinity.
The founder of Liberty University is Jerry Falwell, who was born in 1933 and died in 2007. Falwell was an American Baptist, televangelist, and conservative preacher. He also founded the Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg and served as its head pastor. After his death, Jerry Falwell Jr took over the school’s leadership but resigned in 2020.
Yes, Liberty University has dress code guidelines. According to the school’s website, on-campus and online students and lecturers are expected to dress in a way that depicts Christ-like features, such as neatness and modesty. Earrings and other body piercings are also unacceptable both on and off campus. This applies to all members of the school community.
Donald Trump is a regular visitor to Liberty University. He is also a friend of Jerry Falwell Jr’s, who was part of Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016. Trump was invited to speak at Liberty University’s popular convocation student gathering in 2012 and gave the commencement address in 2017.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
