Liberty University vs. VWC

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than VWC based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 1,853 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting); Virginia Wesleyan University is in Virginia Beach, VA (Large City setting).
• Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Liberty University 18:1; Virginia Wesleyan University 15:1.

Liberty University vs. VWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Liberty University or VWC? 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 Wesleyan University than Liberty University ($21,267 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Wesleyan University are 13.8% lower than at Liberty University ($11,930 vs. $13,835).
• Virginia Wesleyan University is 66.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $15,035 more per year; $37,500.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66.9% higher at VWC than at Liberty University (about $15,035 more per year; $37,500.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Virginia Wesleyan University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Wesleyan University students is 139.6% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($29,923 vs. $12,489).

Liberty University vs. VWC Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Wesleyan University (1250) is 100 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming VWC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 1040/1250; Virginia Wesleyan University 1140/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Liberty University 21/29; Virginia Wesleyan University 28/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Liberty University - Open admission; VWC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Liberty University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at VWC (3.39).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than VWC (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.4% at Liberty University vs. 11.9% at VWC.

Liberty University vs. VWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Liberty University and VWC? 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 Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Virginia Wesleyan University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 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 VWC graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VWC graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More VWC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.