Liberty University vs Randolph College: A Data-Driven Comparison
Both universities share Lynchburg, Virginia, but offer vastly different educational experiences.
Admission and Accessibility
Liberty University admits 99.29% of applicants compared to Randolph's 95.01% acceptance rate, making both highly accessible. However, Liberty's massive enrollment of 50,059 students dwarfs Randolph's intimate 520-student body.
Cost and Financial Value
Liberty charges $21,222 annually while Randolph costs $29,010. Despite higher sticker prices, Randolph's average net price of $18,436 significantly undercuts Liberty's $29,552 after financial aid. Randolph graduates earn a median $53,409 ten years post-graduation versus Liberty's $44,813, though both carry similar debt loads ($26,950 vs $24,500).
Academic Environment
Randolph provides a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized attention impossible at Liberty's 18:1 ratio. Liberty maintains higher retention (78.79% vs 68.03%) and graduation rates (63.50% vs 51.50%), suggesting stronger student support systems despite larger class sizes.
Campus Experience
Liberty offers NCAA Division I athletics and extensive campus resources befitting its size. Randolph provides Division III sports and close-knit community interactions typical of small liberal arts colleges.
Outcomes
Liberty graduates more students successfully but at lower earning potential. Randolph graduates earn 19% more despite lower completion rates.
Liberty suits students seeking Christian education, school spirit, and comprehensive programs within a large university setting, while Randolph fits those prioritizing small classes, personal faculty relationships, and higher earning potential in a traditional liberal arts environment.
Both universities share Lynchburg, Virginia, but offer vastly different educational experiences.
Admission and Accessibility
Liberty University admits 99.29% of applicants compared to Randolph's 95.01% acceptance rate, making both highly accessible. However, Liberty's massive enrollment of 50,059 students dwarfs Randolph's intimate 520-student body.
Cost and Financial Value
Liberty charges $21,222 annually while Randolph costs $29,010. Despite higher sticker prices, Randolph's average net price of $18,436 significantly undercuts Liberty's $29,552 after financial aid. Randolph graduates earn a median $53,409 ten years post-graduation versus Liberty's $44,813, though both carry similar debt loads ($26,950 vs $24,500).
Academic Environment
Randolph provides a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling personalized attention impossible at Liberty's 18:1 ratio. Liberty maintains higher retention (78.79% vs 68.03%) and graduation rates (63.50% vs 51.50%), suggesting stronger student support systems despite larger class sizes.
Campus Experience
Liberty offers NCAA Division I athletics and extensive campus resources befitting its size. Randolph provides Division III sports and close-knit community interactions typical of small liberal arts colleges.
Outcomes
Liberty graduates more students successfully but at lower earning potential. Randolph graduates earn 19% more despite lower completion rates.
Liberty suits students seeking Christian education, school spirit, and comprehensive programs within a large university setting, while Randolph fits those prioritizing small classes, personal faculty relationships, and higher earning potential in a traditional liberal arts environment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Liberty University | Randolph College | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 99.3% | 95.0% |
| SAT Average | 1,035 | |
| Enrollment | 50,059 | 520 |
| In-State Tuition | $21,222 | $29,010 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,222 | $29,010 |
| Net Price | $29,552 | $18,436 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.5% | 51.5% |
| Retention Rate | 78.8% | 68.0% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $53,409 |
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $26,950 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Liberty University | Randolph College | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,022 | Biology, General. | $28,598 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,219 | Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | $22,771 |
| Computer Engineering. | $63,600 | Fine and Studio Arts. | $18,771 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,936 | ||
| Business/Commerce, General. | $57,705 | ||