Liberty University vs Radford University
Both universities offer accessible admission, with Liberty accepting 99.3% of applicants compared to Radford's 93.3%. However, they differ significantly in size and cost structure.
Cost and Value: Radford provides better financial value, especially for Virginia residents. In-state students pay $12,286 versus Liberty's flat $21,222 tuition. Radford's average net price of $16,640 is substantially lower than Liberty's $29,552. Despite similar debt levels around $24,000, Radford graduates earn a median salary of $53,739 after ten years, compared to Liberty's $44,813.
Academic Environment: Radford offers a more intimate learning experience with 5,609 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, while Liberty's massive 50,059 enrollment creates a 18:1 ratio. This size difference significantly impacts classroom interaction and professor accessibility.
Campus Experience: Liberty's enormous student body provides extensive programming and facilities typical of mega-universities, while Radford offers a traditional college town atmosphere with closer student connections.
Outcomes: Liberty demonstrates stronger retention (78.8% vs 72.7%) and graduation rates (63.5% vs 49.6%), suggesting better student support systems despite its size.
Both universities compete at the NCAA Division I level, providing similar athletic opportunities.
Liberty suits students seeking a large university experience with extensive resources and strong Christian identity, while Radford appeals to those preferring smaller class sizes, lower costs, and a traditional college town environment with higher earning potential.
Both universities offer accessible admission, with Liberty accepting 99.3% of applicants compared to Radford's 93.3%. However, they differ significantly in size and cost structure.
Cost and Value: Radford provides better financial value, especially for Virginia residents. In-state students pay $12,286 versus Liberty's flat $21,222 tuition. Radford's average net price of $16,640 is substantially lower than Liberty's $29,552. Despite similar debt levels around $24,000, Radford graduates earn a median salary of $53,739 after ten years, compared to Liberty's $44,813.
Academic Environment: Radford offers a more intimate learning experience with 5,609 students and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, while Liberty's massive 50,059 enrollment creates a 18:1 ratio. This size difference significantly impacts classroom interaction and professor accessibility.
Campus Experience: Liberty's enormous student body provides extensive programming and facilities typical of mega-universities, while Radford offers a traditional college town atmosphere with closer student connections.
Outcomes: Liberty demonstrates stronger retention (78.8% vs 72.7%) and graduation rates (63.5% vs 49.6%), suggesting better student support systems despite its size.
Both universities compete at the NCAA Division I level, providing similar athletic opportunities.
Liberty suits students seeking a large university experience with extensive resources and strong Christian identity, while Radford appeals to those preferring smaller class sizes, lower costs, and a traditional college town environment with higher earning potential.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Liberty University | Radford University | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 99.3% | 93.3% |
| SAT Average | 1,060 | |
| Enrollment | 50,059 | 5,609 |
| In-State Tuition | $21,222 | $12,286 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,222 | $25,185 |
| Net Price | $29,552 | $16,640 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.5% | 49.6% |
| Retention Rate | 78.8% | 72.7% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $53,739 |
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $24,000 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Liberty University | Radford University | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,022 | Computer Science. | $61,516 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,219 | Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $57,366 |
| Computer Engineering. | $63,600 | Finance and Financial Management Services. | $50,856 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,936 | Information Science/Studies. | $48,041 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $57,705 | Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | $46,478 |