Liberty University combines open admission with exceptional economic mobility outcomes. As an Under-Resourced Institution, the university generates $16,334 in earnings beyond expectations while serving 39.1% Pell-eligible students and 42.4% first-generation students, demonstrating strong commitment to educational access and advancement.
With typical tier performance, driven by moderate absolute earnings relative to institutional costs
With below average performance, reflecting higher net costs and debt levels relative to peers
With strong tier performance, indicating well above average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With exceptional tier performance, reflecting the institution's ability to generate strong earnings uplift for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisLiberty University delivers exceptional value through earnings that significantly exceed expectations for its student population. Graduates earn $16,334 beyond predictions based on demographics and program mix, ranking at the 92.2nd percentile nationally on this measure.
Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years after enrollment, with outcomes ranging from $24,639 at the 25th percentile to $68,020 at the 75th percentile. Low-income graduates earn $36,400, reflecting the institution's effectiveness in serving Pell-eligible students.
Students seeking affordable Christian higher education with strong economic mobility outcomes, particularly those from first-generation and lower-income backgrounds. Well-suited for transfer students (62.8%) and those prioritizing value over prestige, with excellent earnings beyond expectations despite modest absolute earnings levels.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the Liberty University hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/liberty-university/analysis.
Top 2% nationally for economic mobility
Liberty University ranks #87 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, achieving exceptional mobility performance at the 98.0th percentile. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, this large private nonprofit university maintains an open-access admission policy with a 99.3% acceptance rate while delivering strong earnings uplift for graduates.
Liberty University enrolls 39.1% Pell-eligible students and 42.4% first-generation students, demonstrating substantial commitment to educational access. The institution serves a significant transfer population at 62.8%, reflecting its role in providing degree completion pathways.
Graduates earn $16,334 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 92.2nd percentile nationally for earnings uplift. While median earnings reach $44,813 ten years after enrollment, the institution's strength lies in maximizing outcomes for students who might otherwise lack access to higher education.
This combination of open admission, high access, and strong value-added performance places Liberty University within the Under-Resourced Institutions quadrant, where schools serve diverse populations while generating meaningful economic advancement.
Liberty University maintains an open-access admission policy, accepting 99.3% of applicants. This means virtually all students who apply receive admission offers, making Liberty University one of the most accessible institutions in the United States.
The peer median admission rate of 69.4% highlights how much more accessible Liberty University is compared to typical four-year institutions. This open admission approach reflects the institution's mission to provide educational opportunity to diverse student populations regardless of traditional academic credentials.
For prospective students, this accessibility means admission is nearly guaranteed, allowing focus to shift from admission probability to program fit, cost considerations, and post-graduation outcomes. Students should view Liberty University as a reliable admission option while building college lists that consider factors beyond acceptance rates.
The institution's 99.3% acceptance rate creates opportunity for students who might face challenges at more selective institutions, including those with non-traditional academic backgrounds, adult learners, and transfer students seeking degree completion. This admission approach supports the university's role in serving first-generation students and those from lower-income families who benefit from accessible higher education pathways.
Artificial Intelligence.
222 graduates
Audio Engineering Technology/Technician.
20 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
43 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
28 graduates
Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General.
230 graduates
Liberty University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Business Administration and Management ranks #145 nationally and #5 in Virginia, graduating 1,595 students with median earnings of $54,361 and representing the institution's largest program.
Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies ranks #27 nationally and #2 in Virginia, graduating 1,440 students with median earnings of $46,175. Buddhist Studies achieves exceptional performance, ranking #2 nationally and #2 in Virginia with 674 graduates earning $44,318 and a value score of 90.0.
Aeronautics ranks #4 nationally and #1 in Virginia, producing 230 graduates with median earnings of $77,721. Corrections Administration ranks #65 nationally and #3 in Virginia, graduating 606 students with median earnings of $51,272.
These programs demonstrate Liberty University's strength in delivering specialized education with strong employment outcomes across diverse fields of study.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Liberty University's published cost of attendance reaches $41,707 annually, including $21,222 in tuition, $12,919 for room and board, and $1,599 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays $29,552 after financial aid, representing savings of $12,155 through institutional and federal assistance.
The net price of $29,552 exceeds the peer median by $3,979, indicating higher costs than similar institutions. This cost structure reflects the challenges facing private nonprofit institutions in managing affordability while maintaining educational quality.
Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $30,504 for families earning under $30,000 to $31,028 for those earning over $110,000. The relatively flat pricing structure across income levels indicates limited need-based aid targeting, with most students paying similar amounts regardless of family economic circumstances.
For families evaluating educational investment, Liberty University's costs exceed many public alternatives while remaining below typical private institution levels. The $3,979 premium above peer medians represents a meaningful difference for families managing college expenses, particularly given the institution's focus on serving lower-income and first-generation students who may be more cost-sensitive.
Liberty University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression from $39,707 six years after enrollment to $44,813 at the ten-year mark, representing 12.9% growth over this period. These outcomes reflect a ten-year cohort of 18,039 graduates, providing high confidence in reported figures.
The institution generates $16,334 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 92.2nd percentile nationally for value-added performance. This uplift indicates strong institutional effectiveness in converting educational access into economic outcomes.
Earnings span a 2.8:1 ratio between the 75th percentile ($68,020) and 25th percentile ($24,639), reflecting varied career paths across disciplines. Low-income graduates earn $36,400, demonstrating the institution's capacity to serve Pell-eligible students effectively.
Approximately 24.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The earnings trajectory shows consistent improvement as graduates advance in their careers, with particularly strong outcomes relative to initial student characteristics and program composition.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of Southern California Similar quality tier (#72 ranked) | CA | 10% | $92,498 | #72 | Compare |
New York University Similar quality tier (#160 ranked) | NY | 9% | $82,509 | #160 | Compare |
Boston University Similar quality tier (#191 ranked) | MA | 11% | $83,238 | #191 | Compare |
Brigham Young University-Idaho Similar quality tier (#40 ranked) | ID | 97% | $53,406 | #40 | Compare |
Brigham Young University Similar quality tier (#20 ranked) | UT | 69% | $75,790 | #20 | Compare |