Liberty University and University of Mary Washington present contrasting educational experiences for Virginia students.
Admission and Cost
Liberty accepts virtually all applicants (99.29% acceptance rate) compared to UMW's more selective 85.79%. For Virginia residents, UMW offers significant savings with $14,559 in-state tuition versus Liberty's $21,222 flat rate. Out-of-state students pay $31,479 at UMW. UMW's average net price of $21,108 is notably lower than Liberty's $29,552.
Academic Environment
UMW provides a more intimate learning environment with 3,504 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, while Liberty serves 50,059 students with an 18:1 ratio. UMW shows stronger academic outcomes with an 81.97% retention rate and 67.40% six-year graduation rate compared to Liberty's 78.79% retention and 63.50% graduation rates.
Financial Outcomes
UMW graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $60,613 versus Liberty's $44,813. UMW graduates also carry less debt ($20,500 median versus $24,500).
Campus Experience
Liberty offers NCAA Division I athletics and a large university atmosphere. UMW provides NCAA Division III sports within a smaller college setting focused on undergraduate education.
Student Fit
Liberty suits students seeking easy admission, a large campus environment, and Christian-focused education, while UMW attracts students wanting a selective liberal arts experience with strong financial returns and close faculty relationships.
Admission and Cost
Liberty accepts virtually all applicants (99.29% acceptance rate) compared to UMW's more selective 85.79%. For Virginia residents, UMW offers significant savings with $14,559 in-state tuition versus Liberty's $21,222 flat rate. Out-of-state students pay $31,479 at UMW. UMW's average net price of $21,108 is notably lower than Liberty's $29,552.
Academic Environment
UMW provides a more intimate learning environment with 3,504 students and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, while Liberty serves 50,059 students with an 18:1 ratio. UMW shows stronger academic outcomes with an 81.97% retention rate and 67.40% six-year graduation rate compared to Liberty's 78.79% retention and 63.50% graduation rates.
Financial Outcomes
UMW graduates earn significantly more, with median 10-year earnings of $60,613 versus Liberty's $44,813. UMW graduates also carry less debt ($20,500 median versus $24,500).
Campus Experience
Liberty offers NCAA Division I athletics and a large university atmosphere. UMW provides NCAA Division III sports within a smaller college setting focused on undergraduate education.
Student Fit
Liberty suits students seeking easy admission, a large campus environment, and Christian-focused education, while UMW attracts students wanting a selective liberal arts experience with strong financial returns and close faculty relationships.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Liberty University | University of Mary Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 99.3% | 85.8% |
| SAT Average | 1,255 | |
| Enrollment | 50,059 | 3,504 |
| In-State Tuition | $21,222 | $14,559 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $21,222 | $31,479 |
| Net Price | $29,552 | $21,108 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.5% | 67.4% |
| Retention Rate | 78.8% | 82.0% |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $60,613 |
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $20,500 |
Top Programs by Earnings
Top 5 bachelor's programs at each school, ranked by median graduate earnings.
| Liberty University | University of Mary Washington | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program | Earnings | Program | Earnings |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | $72,022 | Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $69,002 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | $68,219 | Mathematics. | $49,625 |
| Computer Engineering. | $63,600 | Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $45,584 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | $62,936 | Economics. | $42,682 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | $57,705 | Political Science and Government. | $37,568 |