Capital University vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Capital University in Columbus, OH with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Capital University is located in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Capital University 9:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Capital University vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Capital University or Liberty University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Capital University than Liberty University ($22,395 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Capital University are 6.2% lower than at Liberty University ($12,984 vs. $13,835).
• Capital University is 92.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $20,769 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.5% higher at Capital University than at Liberty University (about $20,769 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at Liberty University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 176% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($34,471 vs. $12,489).

Capital University vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Capital University or Liberty University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Liberty University and Capital University.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 100 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 910/1180; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 18/25; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Capital University - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at Capital University vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Capital University vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Capital University and Liberty University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,834 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.