Liberty University vs. Longwood University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Longwood University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 4,612 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting); Longwood University is in Farmville, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Longwood University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Liberty University 18:1; Longwood University 15:1.

Liberty University vs. Longwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Liberty University or Longwood 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 Longwood University than Liberty University ($20,847 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 20.6% lower than at Longwood University ($13,835 vs. $17,424).
• Liberty University is 42.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Longwood University (about $6,721 more per year; $22,465.00 vs. $15,744.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.5% higher at Longwood University than at Liberty University (about $5,513 more per year; $27,978.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University as at Longwood University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Longwood University students is 11.7% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($13,954 vs. $12,489).

Liberty University vs. Longwood University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Liberty University or Longwood 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 Longwood University and Liberty University.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 30 points higher than at Longwood University (1120).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Longwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 1040/1250; Longwood University 1030/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 21/29; Longwood University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Liberty University - Open admission; Longwood University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Longwood University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Longwood University (90.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.4% at Liberty University vs. 17% at Longwood University.

Liberty University vs. Longwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Liberty University and Longwood 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).

• Longwood University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Longwood University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $834 lower median loan debt than Longwood University graduates ($24,166 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Longwood University graduates ($249 vs. $258).
• More Longwood University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.