Liberty University vs Lipscomb University

Liberty University and Lipscomb University, both esteemed private Christian universities, offer distinct educational experiences. Liberty, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts a sprawling campus and a diverse student body, with an acceptance rate of 68%. Lipscomb, nestled in Nashville, Tennessee, prides itself on its strong academic reputation and vibrant community, with an acceptance rate of 74%. While both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, Liberty excels in business, engineering, and nursing, while Lipscomb shines in music, business, and education. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover more about these institutions' unique strengths, student demographics, graduation rates, and other key factors that will help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Liberty University logo

Liberty University

Lipscomb University logo

Lipscomb University

Overview

Location Lynchburg, Virginia Nashville, Tennessee
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 79.0% 85.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation Evangelical Churches of Christ

Admission

Acceptance rate 99.3% 74.0%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range N/A 1100 - 1270
ACT range N/A 22 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 18.0%
Students submitting ACT score 65.0%
Total number of applicants 28,448 3,422
Total number of admissions given out 28,244 2,532
Admitted students who chose to enroll 5,461 663
Yield rate 19.3% 26.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $42,620 $53,252
Average net price $27,891 $26,614
Tuition $21,663 $33,012
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,150

Meal plan: $4,560
Room/dormitory: $7,816

Meal plan: $6,160
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

89.0%
Average amount $12,431
99.0%
Average amount $24,624
Students receiving federal student loan 52.0%
Average amount $5,619
35.0%
Average amount $5,142
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $17,351
5.0%
Average amount $17,590

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 47,696
Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
2,952
Men 39.3% Women 60.7%
Graduate students 47,013
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
1,826
Men 29.0% Women 71.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 76.0% N/A
International students 0.7% 2.5%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 8,222 1,630
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Psychology
  • Theology
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 62.1% 71.3%
Dropout rate 30.2% 28.1%
Transferred out 5.6% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $84,316
  • Year 2: $62,012
  • Year 3: $91,964
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,385
  • Year 2: $80,964
  • Year 3: $87,831
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,657
  • Year 2: $68,219
  • Year 3: $77,205
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,410
  • Year 2: $72,022
  • Year 3: $73,900
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,556
  • Year 2: $51,106
  • Year 3: $65,313
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,731
  • Year 2: $62,936
  • Year 3: $64,580
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,576
  • Year 2: $57,705
  • Year 3: $62,807
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,423
  • Year 2: $57,714
  • Year 3: $62,225
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $40,885
  • Year 2: $56,415
  • Year 3: $62,169
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,240
  • Year 2: $59,895
  • Year 3: $61,052
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $100,230
  • Year 2: $119,716
  • Year 3: $125,699
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $66,830
  • Year 2: $79,473
  • Year 3: $83,140
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,863
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $74,926
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,789
  • Year 2: $54,697
  • Year 3: $63,289
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,514
  • Year 2: $58,221
  • Year 3: $60,483
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $54,065
  • Year 2: $55,512
  • Year 3: $56,306
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $56,287
  • Year 2: $53,080
  • Year 3: $53,583
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,305
  • Year 2: $52,107
  • Year 3: $50,821
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,522
  • Year 2: $42,235
  • Year 3: $50,008
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,450
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: $48,652

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Liberty University and Lipscomb University?

    Liberty University is a large, non-denominational Christian university known for its online programs and conservative evangelical focus. Lipscomb University is a smaller, private Christian university affiliated with the Churches of Christ, emphasizing a more intimate campus environment and a strong sense of community. Liberty offers a wider range of programs, particularly at the graduate level, while Lipscomb is known for its strong undergraduate programs and professional schools like pharmacy and business.

  • How do the religious affiliations of Liberty University and Lipscomb University differ?

    Liberty University is non-denominational Christian, attracting students from various evangelical backgrounds. Its theological stance is generally conservative and evangelical. Lipscomb University is affiliated with the Churches of Christ, and its religious teachings and campus culture reflect this affiliation. While both are Christian institutions, Lipscomb's connection to a specific denomination is a key differentiator.

  • Which university, Liberty or Lipscomb, is larger?

    Liberty University is significantly larger than Lipscomb University. Liberty boasts a much larger student body, including a substantial online student population, while Lipscomb maintains a smaller, more traditional campus environment with a focus on in-person learning.

  • What types of academic programs are Liberty University and Lipscomb University known for?

    Liberty University is known for its diverse range of programs, including strong offerings in business, law, aviation, and online education. Lipscomb University is recognized for its undergraduate programs in areas like business, education, and healthcare, as well as its professional programs in pharmacy, physician assistant studies, and engineering.

  • How do the campus environments and student life compare at Liberty University and Lipscomb University?

    Liberty University offers a vibrant campus life with a wide array of clubs, organizations, and athletic programs, catering to a large and diverse student body. Lipscomb University provides a more close-knit community with a strong emphasis on student involvement and service-learning opportunities. Lipscomb's smaller size fosters a more personal and supportive environment.

  • What are the tuition costs and financial aid options at Liberty University and Lipscomb University?

    Tuition costs vary depending on the program and level of study at both Liberty University and Lipscomb University. Liberty generally has a lower tuition rate, especially for its online programs. Both universities offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's best to visit their respective financial aid websites to get the most up-to-date and personalized information.

  • Where are Liberty University and Lipscomb University located?

    Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, offering a traditional campus setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Lipscomb University is located in Nashville, Tennessee, providing students with access to a vibrant city known for its music, culture, and job opportunities.

  • How do the athletic programs compare between Liberty University and Lipscomb University?

    Liberty University competes in NCAA Division I athletics and has a growing reputation in sports like football, basketball, and baseball. Lipscomb University also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, primarily known for its basketball and baseball programs. Liberty's athletic facilities are generally more extensive due to its larger size and investment in athletics.

  • What are the admission requirements for Liberty University and Lipscomb University?

    Admission requirements vary depending on the program and level of study at both Liberty University and Lipscomb University. Generally, both universities require transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and letters of recommendation. Lipscomb may place a greater emphasis on a student's fit with the university's Christian values and community.

  • Which university, Liberty or Lipscomb, might be a better fit for me?

    The best fit depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're seeking a large university with a wide range of programs, including online options, and a more broadly evangelical environment, Liberty University might be a good choice. If you prefer a smaller, more intimate campus environment with a strong sense of community and an affiliation with the Churches of Christ, Lipscomb University might be a better fit. Consider visiting both campuses and talking to current students to get a better feel for each university's culture.

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