Liberty University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than VCU based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 28,464 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Liberty University 18:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Liberty University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Liberty University or VCU? 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 Virginia Commonwealth University than Liberty University ($26,836 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 24.2% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($13,835 vs. $18,254).
• Liberty University is 32.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $5,520 more per year; $22,465.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.5% higher at VCU than at Liberty University (about $17,644 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students is 13.6% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($14,186 vs. $12,489).

Liberty University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 10 points higher than at VCU (1140).
• Incoming VCU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 1040/1250; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 21/29; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Liberty University - Open admission; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than VCU (92.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.4% at Liberty University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Liberty University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Virginia Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $916 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($240 vs. $249).
• More VCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.