Tennessee vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, TN with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than Tennessee based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 38,728 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Tennessee vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee 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 The University of Tennessee Knoxville than Liberty University ($21,648 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville are 3.5% lower than at Liberty University ($13,356 vs. $13,835).
• Liberty University is 62.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $8,653 more per year; $22,465.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48% higher at Tennessee than at Liberty University (about $10,791 more per year; $33,256.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Liberty University students is 9.2% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($12,489 vs. $11,434).

Tennessee vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 140 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Tennessee 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: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee - Required; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Tennessee vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Tennessee vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee 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).

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $17,200 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $4,166 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($20,000 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($206 vs. $249).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.