Liberty University

Liberty University is a private institution that was founded in 1971. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 48,906 (fall 2022), and the campus size is 7,000 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Liberty University's ranking in the 2024 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #395-435. Its tuition and fees are $25,040.

A Christian university located in central Virginia, Liberty offers studies in a wide range of academic fields at its 15 colleges and schools. The university was founded by the late Jerry Falwell, a prominent Baptist minister, televangelist and conservative political activist. A large number of Liberty’s students are enrolled in its more than 100 undergraduate online degree programs.

Liberty University has several graduate schools, including a law school, a college of osteopathic medicine as well as a school of education, which also offers undergrad programs. Students gather multiple times each week for convocation, a speaker series that brings more than 80 well-known journalists, politicians, athletes and others to campus each year. Another regular event for students is a large weekly worship service called Campus Community. The Liberty Flames field 20 NCAA Division I teams and compete in the Big South Conference. Students can also join a number of club and intramural sports teams. Notable alumni include NFL running back Rashad Jennings and ESPN host Samantha Ponder.

What is Liberty University’s mission statement?

At Liberty University, students are encouraged to follow God’s calling and develop the skills and values they need to make a difference in the world once they graduate, according to the school’s mission statement. The university emphasizes a Christian worldview and aims to provide students with a foundation in the liberal arts. Students, per the mission statement, are encouraged to remain committed to their Christian faith and to live that out in their lives. Liberty University's website states that the school is "committed to Training Champions for Christ." 

How many programs does Liberty University offer?

The university offers more than 550 academic programs at its campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, and online. Liberty University has associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well as undergraduate- and graduate-level certificate programs. Liberty students can also work toward a few specialist degrees in education and theology.

Does Liberty University have an online degree program?

Yes, tens of thousands of students are pursuing degrees from Liberty University online. The school has offered online education since 1985, and both domestic and international students are enrolled in Liberty’s many online programs. Most of the school's online courses are eight weeks long, and a handful of programs require students to come to campus for one or two weeks during the year for face-to-face instruction.

What kind of accreditation does Liberty University have?

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university's accreditation was approved in late 2016 for the next 10 years. Specific programs within the university also hold accreditation from other, more specialized accrediting bodies. For example, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredits Liberty University’s bachelor's, master's and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs.