Liberty University: 99.3% Acceptance Rate

99.3%Acceptance

$21,222Tuition

50,059Students

64%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$44,813Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Evangelical Christian

About Liberty University

Liberty University operates under the motto "Training Champions for Christ" and has grown into one of America's largest evangelical Christian institutions. The university enrolls over 50,000 students in the small city of Lynchburg, Virginia. Liberty is known primarily for its massive online programs and unwavering commitment to conservative Christian values. Notable graduates include former university president Jerry Falwell Jr. and NFL running back Rashad Jennings. The school accepts virtually all applicants with a 99.29% acceptance rate, making Christian education accessible to students regardless of academic background.

Students pay an average net price of $29,552 after financial aid, with tuition set at $21,222 regardless of residency status. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,813 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $24,500. The financial picture presents challenges, as only 36.70% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. Monthly loan payments average $260, which can strain budgets given the moderate post-graduation earnings.

Liberty fields 16 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division I competition as the Flames. The athletic program receives nearly $12 million in scholarship funding across 535 student-athletes. About three-quarters of students are from out of state, creating a geographically diverse campus despite the institution's ideological consistency. The student body is 55.43% female and predominantly white at 57.60%.

Academics & Faculty

Liberty combines evangelical Christian education with extensive online programming that serves over 50,000 students nationwide. The university maintains an 18:1 student-faculty ratio, though academic support varies between online and residential programs. With a 64.5% four-year graduation rate, Liberty performs reasonably well for its open-admission model that accepts 99.3% of applicants. The school emphasizes business, education, and ministry programs alongside newer offerings in aviation and cinematic arts. Students follow a curriculum integrated with Christian worldview courses required across all majors. Liberty's academic reputation centers on accessible Christian higher education rather than research excellence, attracting students who prioritize faith-based learning environments over selective academic prestige.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Full-Time Faculty: 15.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 64.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.5%
Retention Rate: 78.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,813
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$80,964
Management Information Systems and Services.	Master	$76,460
Theological and Ministerial Studies.	Doctoral	$75,204
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$72,022
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$68,219
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,600
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$62,936
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations.	Master	$62,012
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$59,895
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$57,714

View all 209 programs →

Campus Life

Lynchburg sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 180 miles southwest of Washington D.C. With 50,059 students enrolled, Liberty operates one of the largest college campuses in America. Only about 18% of students live in the 8,807 on-campus housing spots, creating a heavily commuter atmosphere mixed with a substantial online population. You'll need both winter coats and summer gear as Virginia's four seasons bring snow in January and humid 80-degree days by May.

The campus revolves around mandatory convocation services three times per week, where students gather in the massive Vines Center. With 535 student-athletes competing across 16 Division I sports, Flames games draw significant crowds, especially football and basketball. Students follow a strict honor code that prohibits alcohol, smoking, and premarital sex. Weekend activities center on campus ministries, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Peaks of Otter or Smith Mountain Lake. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, particularly for general education requirements.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 8,807 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

144 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Stalking	25	9	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	21	6	4
Fondling	27	2	0
Dating Violence	25	0	0
Burglary	7	1	3
Rape	6	0	0
Domestic Violence	1	0	2
Aggravated Assault	1	0	0
Arson	1	0	0
Robbery	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–46°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.8"
Annual Snowfall: 11.6"

Student Demographics

Liberty draws students from across the country who want education grounded in evangelical Christian values. Three-quarters of students come from outside Virginia, reflecting the university's national reputation among conservative Christian families. Women make up 55% of the student body, typical for universities with strong education and health science programs. Nearly 40% receive Pell Grants, showing Liberty serves middle and working-class families seeking affordable Christian education. The diverse geographic mix creates a campus where students from different regions unite around shared faith and conservative principles.

Men: 44.6%
Women: 55.4%
White: 57.6%
Black: 9.8%
Hispanic: 7.4%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 25.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.1%

Location

Liberty University sits in Lynchburg, Virginia, about 180 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. The campus sprawls across a small city of 79,000 residents nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lynchburg offers a mix of historic charm and college town amenities, with the James River running through downtown. The university's massive 7,000-acre campus dominates the local landscape. About 25% of students come from Virginia, while the majority travel from across the country to attend. The mountainous region provides outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. Students considering colleges in Virginia may also compare Liberty University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Lynchburg, Virginia 24515

William Byron Driver Introductions Las Vegas

2009 NCAA Freshman of the Year Seth Curry

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $44,813
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,144
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $35,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 36.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $260/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Liberty University?

Liberty University accepts 99.29% of applicants, making it one of the most accessible universities in the country. The school's open-door policy reflects its mission as a Christian institution focused on reaching as many students as possible with its evangelical values.

How much does Liberty University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Liberty University is $29,552, with tuition set at $21,222 for all students regardless of residency. Only 39.08% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically leave with $24,500 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Liberty University?

Liberty University has an 18:1 student-faculty ratio across its 50,059 enrolled students. The massive enrollment includes a substantial online component, as Liberty has built one of the largest distance learning programs in the nation.

How much do Liberty University graduates earn after college?

Liberty University graduates earn a median of $44,813 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 91.4%. The school's focus on practical Christian education and business programs helps prepare students for various career paths in conservative-leaning industries.

Where is Liberty University located and what is campus life like?

Liberty University sits in Lynchburg, Virginia, with housing capacity for 8,807 students on its sprawling campus. The school operates under strict Christian behavioral codes and hosts NCAA Division I athletics as the Flames, competing in Conference USA with 535 total athletes.

Is Liberty University known for its online programs?

Liberty University operates one of the largest online education platforms in higher education, serving tens of thousands of distance learners worldwide. The school's digital infrastructure supports its mission of evangelical Christian education, allowing it to reach students who align with its conservative values regardless of geographic location.