Liberty University: An In-Depth Look at Graduation Rates
Liberty University, a private institution founded in 1971, stands as a prominent educational hub with a sprawling 7,000-acre campus. With a total undergraduate enrollment of 52,961 in the fall of 2024, the university offers a wide array of programs from certificate to doctoral degrees. This article delves into a detailed analysis of Liberty University's graduation rates, comparing them against national averages and examining various factors influencing student success.
General Overview
Liberty University is ranked No. #395-434 in National Universities and No. #396 in Top Performers on Social Mobility in the 2026 edition of Best Colleges. The university operates with a student-faculty ratio of 18:1. The school's tuition and fees are $25,860. Fifty-nine percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $29,882. The university prides itself on developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world.
Liberty University reports an overall graduation rate of 63%, positioning it within the top 40% nationally. When broken down by gender, the graduation rate is slightly higher for women at 66%, compared to 60% for men, both maintaining an average standing among peer institutions.
Graduation Rates Over Different Time Frames
The official graduation rate of Liberty University is 32%. This is the percentage of students who completed their degree within 150% of the published time. That means six years for a standard bachelor's degree program.
- Four-Year Graduation Rate: The four-year graduation rate stands at 52%, placing Liberty University in roughly the top third of institutions nationwide for on-time degree completion. However, according to college factual®, 25% of the cohort completed their degree in four years.
- Six-Year Graduation Rate: Similarly, the six-year graduation rate rises to 66%, also reflecting an above-average performance compared to national benchmarks. According to college factual®, 32% completed their degree in six years.
- Eight-Year Graduation Rate: 34% in eight years.
The average length of time it takes an Liberty University undergraduate student to complete their bachelor's degree is 4.47 years.
Read also: Liberty University Fees
Factors Affecting Graduation Rates
Traditional vs. Non-Traditional Students
First-time, full-time students, under the age of 25 are known as traditional students. These students are more likely to graduate in four years than so called 'non-traditional' students that includes part-time students, transfer students, or adult learners. Grad RateFirst-time / full-time students at Liberty University represent 22% of the students in the class of 2015, and 27.06% of Liberty University bachelor's degree graduations.
With a four-year graduation rate of 25%, first-time students in the Liberty University class of 2015 who attended classes full-time were less likely than average to graduate on time. After six years, the Liberty University graduation rate was 39%, and by the eight year mark, 42% of the cohort had completed their degree.
Nationwide, the average graduation rate for first-time undergraduates attending classes full-time is 37.92% after four years, 46.43% after six years, and 47.82% after eight years.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time Students
First-time / part-time students at Liberty University represent 17.29% of the students in the class of 2015. With a six-year graduation rate of 10%, first-time, part-time students in the Liberty University class of 2015 who attended classes full-time were less likely than average to graduate on time. After eight years, the graduation rate was 12%.
Nationwide, the average graduation rate for first-time undergraduates attending classes part-time is: 14.37% after four years, 21.59% after six years, 23.72% after eight years.
Read also: History of Liberty's Flames
Non-First-Time Students
6343 Liberty University students were classified as full-time / not first-time. This represents 27.72% of the students in the class of 2015. Non first-time students could include transfer students or adults who have returned to school after an absense. With a six year graduation rate of 43%, returning students in the class of 2015 and attended classes full-time had a graduation rate lower than the national average for students in this category. After eight years, the graduation rate was 45%.
Nationwide, the average graduation rate for non first-time undergraduates attending classes full-time is: 49.57% after four years, 53.83% after six years, and 55.07% after eight years.
7595 Liberty University students were classified as full-time / not first-time. This represents 33.19% of the students in the class of 2015. With a six year graduation rate of 28%, returning students in the class of 2015 and attended classes full-time had a graduation rate lower than the national average. After eight years, the graduation rate was 31%.
Nationwide, the average graduation rate for non first-time undergraduates attending classes part-time is: 36.03% after six years, 36.03% after eight years.
Drop Out Rate
Approximately 15036 students or 66% of the cohort did not complete their degree within eight years. What happened to the 15036 students who did not complete their degree? 40 are still enrolled. 5863 transferred to another institution. Liberty University lost contact with the remaining 8904 who we assumed dropped out.
Read also: Explore Liberty University's Graduate Programs
Non-Completions
| Undergraduates | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
| Still Enrolled | 40 | 0.3% |
| Transferred | 5863 | 39.0% |
| Dropped Out | 8,904 | 59.2% |
The non-completers rate is anyone who is not still enrolled at the institution after eight years. Both transfer students and drop-outs could be included in this group.
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Graduation rates vary among different racial and ethnic groups:
| Race/Ethnicity | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|
| American Indian or Alaskan Native | 48% |
| Asian | 66% |
| Black / African-American | 23% |
| Hawaiian | 57% |
| Hispanic | 45% |
| International | 59% |
| Multi-Ethnic | 48% |
| Unknown | 44% |
| White | 63% |
Salary Outcomes for Graduates
Graduates from Liberty University experience a broad spectrum of earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Those with degrees in highly technical or specialized areas tend to achieve the highest incomes. For example, graduates in Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Industrial Engineering report earnings around $60,000 annually, showcasing strong prospects in engineering disciplines. Information technology-related degrees also offer competitive salaries.
Business-oriented programs show promising financial outcomes as well, with students in Business/Commerce, General and Business Administration, Management and Operations earning close to $44,500 annually.
In the social sciences, earnings vary significantly. For instance, International Relations and National Security Studies alumni earn about $43,248, and Criminal Justice and Corrections degrees yield roughly $40,900, both competitive values within their respective fields.
Some areas in the humanities and education fields show more modest income levels. Communication and Media Studies graduates earn around $33,000, while Legal Support Services and Fine and Studio Arts stand near $32,000.
Campus Life
Liberty University is a very large, 4-year, private university. This coed college is located in a city in a suburban setting and is primarily a commuter campus.
Cost of Attendance
Despite these positive indicators, Liberty University's average cost of attendance, measured in thousands of dollars per year, is relatively low, falling in the bottom 20% compared to similar institutions.
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