Deciding to get your college education at a large Christian school like Liberty University is a big deal. You should consider various factors, such as whether you can afford the Liberty University cost of attendance. If you can’t pay out of pocket, you may need to look into your Liberty University financial aid options. You must take care to avoid going into debt.
This article will explain how much Liberty University costs, how Liberty University’s ranking compares to other schools, and how to get an affordable education at Liberty. You will learn about Liberty University’s living expenses, scholarship options, and tuition payment plans. Read on for all the basic cost information and financial solutions you’re looking for.
Liberty University Rankings and Profile
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- US News & World Report Ranking: #299-391 in National Universities
- Times Higher Education Ranking: Unranked
Liberty University is a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1971 and offers degree programs in various fields of study, from associate degrees all the way to doctoral degrees. It has a student body of over 100,000, including over 30,000 military students and over 700 international students. Liberty is one of the largest Christian schools in the world.
This evangelical university offers over 700 online and in-person academic programs through its 15 colleges and schools. Its student-to-faculty ratio varies by learning format, with a 22:1 ratio for on-campus classes, 19:1 for online degree programs, and 20:1 for hybrid learning. Whether you’re an online student or a resident student, you will have similar access to faculty.
Liberty University offers accounting programs, engineering degrees, credentials for business administration career fields, and even aviation courses. It also offers bible studies, biblical and educational studies, military studies, music and worship, and outdoor adventure leadership programs. Each program of study is designed to lead students to a rewarding career.
How Much Does Liberty University Cost?
Liberty University costs $23,800 per year for full-time undergraduates and $815 per credit hour for part-time undergraduates. The average cost of tuition and fees for graduate students is $8,360 per year, but some programs have their own costs.
In general, a master’s degree at Liberty University costs $545 per credit hour. but an MA in Pastoral Counseling costs $410 per credit hour. The Master of Biomedical Science program costs $650 per hour, while the Doctor of Nursing Practice and other PhD programs cost $635 per credit hour. Check the program’s website for a full list of individual program costs.
The costs in the foregoing paragraphs apply to residential students only. There are different costs associated with Liberty Online, the branch of the university devoted to online education. Full-time online students pay $390 per credit hour for courses at the undergraduate level, while part-time undergraduates pay $455 per credit hour for the average online program.
Liberty University Tuition, Fees, and Other Expenses
| Expense | Liberty University Cost |
|---|---|
| Liberty University Undergraduate Tuition and Fees | $23,800 |
| Liberty University Graduate Tuition and Fees | $8,360 |
| Liberty University Books and Supplies | $1,374 |
Liberty University tuition is competitive with the tuition costs of similar universities. When compared to other private institutions, it is cheaper. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median private nonprofit university charges $36,950 in annual tuition and fees. Liberty’s rate of $23,800 is close to the 25th percentile, which stands at $22,836.
Liberty University Living Expenses
| Expense | Liberty University Cost |
|---|---|
| Liberty University On-Campus Room and Board | $11,547 |
| Liberty University Off-Campus Room and Board | $10,960 |
Liberty University’s living expenses are lower than those of other private schools in the country. NCES estimates that room and board at the average four-year private nonprofit university is $12,857 per year. However, the national average cost of off-campus room and board at this type of school is $10,429, which is slightly less than what Liberty students living off campus pay.
Cost of Living in Lynchburg, Virginia
The cost of living in Lynchburg, Virginia is 13 percent lower than the national average, according to PayScale. Housing expenses are 22 percent lower than the national average, food and grocery costs are 12 percent lower, and utility prices are one percent higher. Overall, the low cost of living makes the Liberty University cost of attendance more affordable.
Liberty University Financial Aid Statistics
About 98 percent of Liberty University students receive some form of financial aid, according to NCES. Types of financial aid include federal grants, federal student loans, and private scholarships. Of these, grants and scholarships are the most coveted form of student aid because they don’t have to be paid back.
About 89 percent of Liberty students receive grants or scholarships. Broken down further, 29 percent receive federal grants, including Pell grants and other types of federal grants, 19 percent receive grants or scholarships from state or local governments, and 77 percent receive these funds directly from Liberty University.
A smaller number of Liberty students take out student loans, about 53 percent. Most of this student loan aid is in the form of federal loans. Only about 9 percent of Liberty students seek other types of loans. The advantage of federal loans is that they are more likely to have low interest rates and generous payback terms.
Liberty University has a few notable programs to help students make ends meet. It provides Book Dollars and Book Vouchers that eligible students can use to buy books, supplies, and other course materials. While Book Dollars don’t require repayment, Book Vouchers do. A third program, Flames Cash, allows students to store spending money on their Liberty ID cards.
Does Liberty University Accept FAFSA?
Yes, Liberty University accepts FAFSA. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a form that is used to apply for financial aid directly from the federal government. The government determines your eligibility status and awards need-based aid for tuition, books and supplies, and other school expenses. It is also used by schools to award students financial aid.
Does Liberty University Accept GI Bill Benefits?
Yes, Liberty University accepts GI Bill benefits, including the Montogomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. GI Bill benefits are awarded to military veterans and their families to cover their higher education costs, including college, graduate school, and training programs. The funds awarded may cover all or part of the beneficiary’s tuition costs.
Is Liberty University a Yellow Ribbon School?
Yes, Liberty University is a Yellow Ribbon school. A Yellow Ribbon school is an institution that honors the Yellow Ribbon Program, which allows military students to attend private institutions for little or no cost. The program works by splitting the cost between the school and the Department of Veteran Affairs, each chipping in a 50 percent share.
Liberty University Scholarships and Grants
- Middle America Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at new undergraduate students who come from households earning between $35,000 and $95,000 per year. The amount awarded per recipient can be as high as $5,895 each year. This award is available to students who are citizens of the US or eligible for federal financial aid.
- Canadian Student Initiative. This scholarship is for Canadian students at Liberty University. It awards them 30 percent off tuition, and 20 percent off room, board, and activity fees. Some recipients with good high school grades may be eligible for a full scholarship.
- Heroes Fund Scholarship. This award is for war veterans who served between 1990 and the present day and are pursuing their first certificate, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree. Students in doctoral programs are not eligible. The scholarship covers the remaining tuition costs after other financial aid is applied.
- Charles B. Keesee Educational Fund Scholarship. This scholarship is restricted to Liberty University Baptist students preparing to become Baptist ministers. To be eligible, students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA and meet state residency requirements. The amount may cover up to eight semesters.
- Virginia: Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at residents of Virginia who might otherwise not be able to afford private school. Residency requirements apply, and eligible students are awarded funds based on need.
- International Mission Board (IMB) Scholarship. This is a full scholarship for online graduate students pursuing a Master of Arts in Religion. The IMB must send a letter on the student’s behalf verifying that the student is eligible for the award.
Liberty University Average Net Price by Income
| Family Income | Liberty University Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $28,923 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $26,336 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $27,214 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $27,143 |
| $110,001 and up | $30,358 |
Net price is the actual amount a student will pay to attend a university. It is calculated by adding up all the costs and subtracting all the aid. In other words, the average amount of federal, state, local, and private financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is deducted from the average cost of attendance. Liberty University’s net price is similar across all income brackets.
How to Calculate Liberty University Cost
You can calculate your Liberty University cost of attendance if you know your family income. This number will determine how much financial aid you can get from the school and other sources. A family with an annual income of $30,000 is likely to pay less out of pocket than a family with a household income of $150,000. Just remember to fill out your FAFSA correctly.
Liberty University has a net price calculator that helps students determine how much they have to spend on tuition, living expenses, books, and supplies. To use the calculator, just provide your annual family income, living plans, and preferred learning format. This information will help you estimate the Liberty University cost of attendance.
Is the Cost of College Too High?
No, the cost of college is not too high, especially if you get financial aid and make an effort to save. While low-income students might be overwhelmed by the prospect of tuition and fees, living expenses, the cost of books and supplies, and other miscellaneous costs, it is possible to afford college if you have scholarships, grants, or other types of financial assistance.
Liberty University Student Debt
- Students Receiving Federal Loans: 56%
- Median Debt After Graduation: $25,000
- Average Monthly Loan Payment: $250
According to the US Federal Reserve, the total amount of student debt in the US is $1.75 trillion. This figure, which includes both federal student loans and private student loans, shows how common student loans are as a way to pay for a college education.
About 56 percent of Liberty University students take out federal loans, according to the US Department of Education. The average Liberty University student incurs about $25,000 in total student loan debt, or about $6,250 per year. This is less than the $9,037 in annual loans that the average student attending a four-year private nonprofit university takes out, according to NCES.
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Liberty University Tuition Payment Plans
Liberty University offers tuition payment plans as an alternative to student loans and other types of financial aid. Students can choose from a variety of monthly installment options. You can pay off your tuition in anywhere from one to nine months, depending on when you enroll. Liberty gives most students the option of putting down a smaller initial deposit and paying more later.
Liberty University Graduate Salaries and Outcomes
The employment outcomes of graduates are important in determining if Liberty University is worth it. This information shows how successful Liberty students are after completing their program. According to the US Department of Education, while only about 34 percent of Liberty University students go on to graduate, the median Liberty graduate earns $42,394 per year.
These annual earnings refer to Liberty University students who received federal financial aid and have been out of school for ten years. The average four-year college graduate earns $47,891 per year, so Liberty grads do slightly worse than their peers. But they still do better than the average American worker, who makes $41,535 per year, according to the US Census.
How to Save Money in College
- Apply for scholarships and grants. By applying for scholarships and grants, you stand a chance to reduce your school and living expenses. If you are awarded the aid you applied for, you will have an easier time saving and avoiding student debts.
- Split your rent. Students living off-campus should split their rent and utilities with roommates. Getting a roommate means paying only half of the total expenses.
- Sell textbooks you don’t need anymore. Textbooks are quite expensive, so try to sell your books when you no longer need them. This will reduce your annual cost of school supplies and help you save money.
- Limit eating out. Eating out is expensive. Try to cook your meals at home as often as possible. You can even practice meal prep, which gets you into the habit of cooking all your meals for the week ahead. You will not only be saving money but time.
- Take advantage of public transportation. A car is costly to maintain. It is advised that you take advantage of public transportation instead. Get familiar with the local bus and metro schedules and plan your days around them.
Is Liberty University Affordable?
Yes, Liberty University is affordable if you can get financial aid and scholarships to help you cover your tuition, fees, and other expenses. The actual Liberty University cost of attendance before financial aid is quite pricey, and low-income students may struggle to make ends meet. Still, it becomes easier to afford by taking advantage of financial assistance.
It gets even easier if you can land scholarship awards or grants, which don’t need to be paid back. Prospective students are advised to search for as many scholarship and grant opportunities as possible or speak to an admissions counselor for guidance.
Liberty University Cost FAQ
It costs about $117,000 to go to Liberty University for four years. This figure is based on the US Department of Education’s estimate of the average Liberty University cost of attendance for a single year. Students who get some form of financial aid, especially scholarships or grants, may not have to spend nearly as much.
It costs $50 to apply to Liberty University, but the school does offer application fee waivers. Prospective students who apply on campus during an official or informal campus visit will get their application fee waived.
There is no minimum GPA for Liberty University. The school doesn’t have any minimum academic requirements. However, the GPA range among students who get accepted into Liberty University is 3.15 to 3.83.
Liberty University is known for its high-quality Christian education. It is a liberal arts school that combines strong academics with Evangelicalism. Liberty students don’t have to compromise on their Christian worldview to get prepared for careers in the modern workforce.
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