Liberty University vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Liberty University 18:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Liberty University vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Liberty University or SU? 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 Shenandoah University than Liberty University ($27,181 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 9.7% lower than at Liberty University ($12,490 vs. $13,835).
• Shenandoah University is 64.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $14,485 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 64.5% higher at SU than at Liberty University (about $14,485 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 98.2% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($24,747 vs. $12,489).

Liberty University vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Liberty University or SU? 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 SU 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 SU (1120).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 1040/1250; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 21/29; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Liberty University - Open admission; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than SU (77%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.4% at Liberty University vs. 16.7% at SU.

Liberty University vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Liberty University and SU? 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).

• Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Shenandoah University earn a median of about $9,200 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,300 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 SU graduates ($24,166 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($249 vs. $258).
• More SU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.