Liberty University vs Union University

Liberty University and Union University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Liberty, a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts a sprawling campus and a diverse student body, while Union, a private Christian university in Jackson, Tennessee, prides itself on its small class sizes and strong sense of community. With Liberty's acceptance rate hovering around 50% and Union's at a competitive 35%, both universities attract a mix of high-achieving and dedicated students. While Liberty's popular majors encompass a wide range of fields, including business, nursing, and religion, Union's strengths lie in pre-professional programs such as medicine, pharmacy, and law. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these universities' acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Liberty University	Union University
Overview
Location	Lynchburg, Virginia	Jackson, Tennessee
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	4-1-4
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	79.0%	87.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Evangelical	Baptist

Admission
Acceptance rate	99.3%	52.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $25
SAT range	N/A	1120 - 1330
ACT range	N/A	23 - 30
Students submitting SAT score		14.0%
Students submitting ACT score		86.0%
Total number of applicants	28,448	2,660
Total number of admissions given out	28,244	1,407
Admitted students who chose to enroll	5,461	355
Yield rate	19.3%	25.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$42,620	$57,160
Average net price	$27,891	$27,660
Tuition	$21,663	$34,320
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,150 Meal plan: $4,560	Room/dormitory: $8,250 Meal plan: $3,800
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 $27,090
Students receiving federal student loan	52.0% Average amount $5,619	48.0% Average amount $5,366
Students taking out private loans	9.0% Average amount $17,351	6.0% Average amount $10,345

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	47,696 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%	1,993 Men 34.9% Women 65.1%
Graduate students	47,013 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%	937 Men 29.5% Women 70.5%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	76.0%	N/A
International students	0.7%	1.6%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	8,222	1,288
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	Health Professions Business Education Public Administration and Social Service Liberal Arts
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	9:1
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%	68.3%
Dropout rate	30.2%	8.5%
Transferred out	5.6%	22.9%
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 (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $110,140 Year 2: $120,955 Year 3: $125,017 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,963 Year 2: $90,412 Year 3: $90,742 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $69,081 Year 2: $70,456 Year 3: $76,100 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $73,416 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $68,907 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,095 Year 2: $58,673 Year 3: $58,445 Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $56,930 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $57,493 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,028 Year 2: $44,590 Year 3: $47,722 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,732 Year 2: $47,191 Year 3: $47,278 Education, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $42,103 Year 2: $43,674 Year 3: $45,420 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,212 Year 2: $39,693 Year 3: $41,241

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in denominational affiliation between Liberty University and Union University?

Liberty University is a non-denominational Christian university, meaning it welcomes students from all Christian backgrounds and isn't formally affiliated with a specific denomination. Union University is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention, reflecting its historical roots and ongoing ties to the denomination. This affiliation influences aspects of campus life, curriculum, and theological perspectives.
How do the campus environments compare at Liberty University and Union University?

Liberty University boasts a large, vibrant campus with a wide array of activities and a significant student population. Union University offers a smaller, more intimate campus environment, fostering a close-knit community. Liberty's size allows for a broader range of programs and resources, while Union's smaller size promotes more personalized attention and interaction.
What is the difference in student enrollment size between Liberty University and Union University?

Liberty University has a significantly larger student body, encompassing both residential and online students. Union University maintains a smaller, primarily residential student population. This difference in size impacts class sizes, campus resources, and the overall student experience.
How do the academic programs differ between Liberty University and Union University?

Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Liberty University, due to its size, generally offers a broader selection of programs, including specialized fields. Union University provides a strong liberal arts foundation with a focus on integrating faith and learning across all disciplines. While both offer popular programs like business and nursing, the specific offerings and emphasis may vary.
What are the key differences in the cost of attendance between Liberty University and Union University?

Tuition and fees can vary. Generally, Liberty University's online programs are often more affordable than their residential programs. Union University's tuition is typically higher than Liberty's residential tuition, but both institutions offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities. It's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date cost information and to explore available financial aid options.
How do Liberty University and Union University approach the integration of faith and learning?

Both universities prioritize the integration of Christian faith into their academic programs. Liberty University emphasizes a biblical worldview across all disciplines, encouraging students to apply Christian principles to their chosen fields. Union University focuses on integrating faith and learning through a liberal arts curriculum, fostering critical thinking and ethical decision-making within a Christian framework. While both share a commitment to faith integration, their approaches and emphasis may differ slightly.
What types of student activities and extracurricular opportunities are available at Liberty University and Union University?

Liberty University offers a vast array of student activities, including NCAA Division I athletics, clubs, organizations, and campus events. Union University provides a more focused selection of extracurricular activities, including student government, clubs, organizations, and intramural sports. Liberty's larger size allows for a greater diversity of options, while Union's smaller size fosters greater participation and leadership opportunities.
How do the campus locations of Liberty University and Union University differ?

Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, a mid-sized city with access to outdoor recreational activities and cultural attractions. Union University is situated in Jackson, Tennessee, a smaller city known for its strong sense of community and proximity to Memphis. The location impacts the overall campus environment and the types of off-campus opportunities available to students.
What are the admission requirements for Liberty University and Union University?

Both universities require prospective students to submit transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and application essays. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program and academic background. It's recommended to check each university's admissions website for detailed information on application deadlines and requirements.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at Liberty University and Union University?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with internships, job searches, and career planning. Liberty University, with its larger alumni network, provides a broader range of networking opportunities. Union University's alumni network, while smaller, is known for its strong connections and support for graduates. Both institutions are committed to helping students succeed in their chosen careers.

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