Methodist vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Methodist based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 1,822 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Methodist University is located in Fayetteville, NC (Midsize City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Methodist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Methodist University 11:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Methodist vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Methodist 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 Methodist University than Liberty University ($26,334 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 2.9% lower than at Methodist University ($13,835 vs. $14,250).
• Methodist University is 83.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $18,785 more per year; $41,250.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.6% higher at Methodist than at Liberty University (about $18,785 more per year; $41,250.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Methodist University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Methodist University students is 136% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($29,476 vs. $12,489).

Methodist vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Methodist 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 Methodist.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Methodist University (1170) is 20 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Liberty University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Methodist).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Methodist University 1080/1250; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Methodist University 22/27; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Methodist - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Methodist students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Methodist (75.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.3% at Methodist vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Methodist vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Methodist 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).

• Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Methodist University's (39%).
• Graduates from Methodist University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 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 Methodist graduates ($24,166 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Methodist graduates ($249 vs. $279).
• More Methodist graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.