Acceptance Rate
99%
Avg. SAT
1200
75th percentile
“A sprawling campus in Virginia where faith shapes every corner of academic and social life.”
Lynchburg, VA
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the rolling hills of Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University stands as one of the largest Christian universities in the world, founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell, a prominent Baptist minister. Its mission has always been to develop students who integrate faith into every aspect of their lives, from academics to personal growth. With over 60,000 undergraduates, the campus buzzes with a sense of purpose, drawing students who seek a deeply religious environment paired with a wide array of degree options, many available online. You'll find a tight-knit community here if you're someone who values spiritual grounding alongside education, particularly if you align with evangelical Christian principles.
The surrounding Lynchburg area, a small city of about 80,000, offers a quieter pace compared to urban hubs, with the Blue Ridge Mountains nearby for hiking and outdoor escapes. However, the city itself lacks the vibrant nightlife or cultural diversity of larger college towns, which might feel limiting if you crave constant off-campus excitement. Liberty's strong faith-based identity also means it’s not the right fit for everyone—students who prefer a secular or more ideologically varied atmosphere may find the campus culture restrictive.
Still, for those who thrive in structured, values-driven settings, Liberty offers a unique blend of spiritual focus and expansive academic reach. The university’s personality is earnest and mission-oriented, emphasizing service and leadership through a Christian lens. If you’re looking for a place to grow in faith while pursuing a degree, you’ll feel right at home among peers who share that vision.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Liberty University carves out a reputation for its extensive online education programs, one of the largest of its kind, alongside a robust on-campus curriculum that spans over 700 programs of study. You can dive into fields like business, education, nursing, and aeronautics, with the School of Divinity standing out for those pursuing ministry or theological studies. Classes often weave Christian perspectives into coursework, so expect discussions and assignments to reflect that worldview, whether you’re studying history or engineering. The university also pushes practical training—think flight simulators for aviation students or hands-on clinicals for nursing majors.
With such a large student body, some introductory courses can feel crowded, and personalized attention from professors isn’t always guaranteed, especially in popular majors. If you’re self-motivated, though, you’ll find plenty of resources, from academic advising to online tools, to keep you on track. Research opportunities exist, particularly in fields like health sciences, but they’re not as central to the undergraduate experience as at some other institutions, with more emphasis placed on career preparation and spiritual development.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
52,961 undergrad • 51,366 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
50%
Black / African American
15%
Hispanic / Latino
7%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
26%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Lynchburg, VA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Liberty University revolves around faith and community, with chapel services three times a week serving as a cornerstone of the student experience. You’ll likely start your day with worship or small group discussions, and many social activities—think movie nights, concerts, or intramural sports—are hosted through campus ministries or residence halls. The university enforces a strict code of conduct, known as The Liberty Way, which sets clear expectations for behavior, dress, and relationships, creating a disciplined atmosphere that some find comforting and others constricting. Traditions like the annual Christmas lighting ceremony or Convocation, where guest speakers address the student body, foster a shared sense of purpose.
Living on campus means navigating a structured residential system, and while housing is plentiful, the sheer size of the student population can make finding your niche a challenge at first. Off-campus, Lynchburg’s slower pace and colder winters might dampen spontaneous adventures, though the nearby mountains offer a scenic retreat. If you’re not drawn to a faith-centered social scene or prefer a more relaxed set of rules, the environment could feel stifling, but for many, the supportive network of like-minded peers is the heart of the Liberty experience.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Conference USA
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$28,923
$30K – $48K
$26,336
$48K – $75K
$27,214
$75K – $110K
$27,143
$110K+
$30,358
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
80%
4 Years Graduation Rate
35%
6 Years Graduation Rate
46%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$44,813
80% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Liberty University and return in the fall. 35% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 46% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
35%
4-5 years
11%
6-8 years
3%
Non-grad
51%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$15,467
Acceptance
99%
Undergrads
52,961
4-Year Grad Rate
35%
Endowment
$37M
Lynchburg, VA 24515
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