Chatham vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than Chatham based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Chatham University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Chatham University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Chatham University 10:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Chatham vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Chatham 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 Liberty University than Chatham ($29,532 vs. $31,280).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 1.7% lower than at Liberty University ($13,600 vs. $13,835).
• Chatham University is 98.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $22,161 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 98.6% higher at Chatham than at Liberty University (about $22,161 more per year; $44,626.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 141% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($30,095 vs. $12,489).

Chatham vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Chatham 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 Chatham.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Chatham University (1180) is 30 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Chatham students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Liberty University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 1070/1295; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Chatham University 21/30; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Chatham - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.7% at Chatham vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Chatham vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Chatham 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).

• Chatham University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Liberty University earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,100 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $3,666 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($20,500 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($211 vs. $249).
• More Chatham graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.