Navigating the Liberty University Semester Schedule

Liberty University offers a comprehensive online academic school year, designed with flexibility and accessibility in mind. Understanding the structure of the semester schedule is crucial for students to effectively plan their academic journey. The Liberty University Online academic school year consists of three terms: fall, spring, and summer. Terms consist of three eight-week sub-terms (B, C & D), and one semester-long sub-term (A). Additionally, intensive courses of varying frequency are offered each semester (J). This article provides a detailed overview of the university's semester schedule, including important dates, deadlines, and key information for both current and prospective students, focusing on the 2025-2026 academic year. The Liberty University Online Calendar is posted online at www.liberty.edu/registrar.

Key Components of the Academic Year

The academic year at Liberty University is divided into three main semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer. Each semester incorporates various sub-terms, offering students different options for course duration and intensity.

Sub-Terms Explained

To provide flexibility, each semester is further broken down into sub-terms. These include:

A-Term: A semester-long sub-term, ranging from 14 to 17 weeks.
B-Term, C-Term, and D-Term: These three sub-terms run for just 8 weeks.
Intensive Courses (J): Courses of varying frequency offered each semester.

Understanding these sub-terms allows students to choose the format that best suits their learning style and schedule.

Fall Semester 2025 (202540)

The Fall Semester is a significant period in the academic year. Here's a breakdown of the important dates and deadlines:

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Registration Opens: May 21, 2025

Key Dates for Fall 2025 Sub-Terms:

J Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: Varies
- Start Date: 8/18/25
- End Date: 12/12/25
- Grades Due: 12/19/25
A Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 7/23/25
- Registration Deadline: 8/6/25
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 8/11/25
- Student Access (0 Week): 8/14-17, 2025
- Start Date: 8/18/25
- End Date: 12/12/25
- Grades Due: 12/19/25
B Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 7/23/25
- Registration Deadline: 8/6/25
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 8/11/25
- Student Access (0 Week): 8/14-17, 2025
- Start Date: 8/18/25
- End Date: 10/10/25
- Grades Due: 10/17/25
C Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 8/20/25
- Registration Deadline: 9/3/25
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 9/8/25
- Student Access (0 Week): 9/11-14, 2025
- Start Date: 9/15/25
- End Date: 11/7/25
- Grades Due: 11/14/25
D Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 9/24/25
- Registration Deadline: 10/8/25
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 10/13/25
- Student Access (0 Week): 10/16-19, 2025
- Start Date: 10/20/25
- End Date: 12/12/25
- Grades Due: 12/19/25

Winter Semester 2026 - Winter Intensives (202610)

The Winter Semester focuses on intensive courses, providing an opportunity for students to concentrate on specific subjects during a shorter period.

Registration Opens: September 17, 2025

Key Dates for Winter 2026 J-Term:

J Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 12/13/25
- Start Date: 1/11/26
- End Date: 3/6/26
- Grades Due: N/A

Spring Semester 2026 (202620)

The Spring Semester offers a range of courses in both 17-week and 8-week formats, similar to the Fall Semester.

Registration Opens: September 17, 2025

Key Dates for Spring 2026 Sub-Terms:

J Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: Varies
- Start Date: 1/12/26
- End Date: 5/15/26
- Grades Due: 5/22/26
A Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 12/24/25
- Registration Deadline: 1/9/26
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 1/12/26
- Student Access (0 Week): 1/15-18, 2026
- Start Date: 1/19/26
- End Date: 5/15/26
- Grades Due: 5/22/26
B Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 12/24/25
- Registration Deadline: 1/9/26
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 1/12/26
- Student Access (0 Week): 1/15-18, 2026
- Start Date: 1/19/26
- End Date: 3/13/26
- Grades Due: 3/20/26
C Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 1/21/26
- Registration Deadline: 2/4/26
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 2/9/26
- Student Access (0 Week): 2/12-15, 2026
- Start Date: 2/16/26
- End Date: 4/10/26
- Grades Due: 4/17/26
D Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 2/25/26
- Registration Deadline: 3/11/26
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 3/16/26
- Student Access (0 Week): 3/19-22, 2026
- Start Date: 3/23/26
- End Date: 5/15/26
- Grades Due: 5/22/26

Summer Semester 2026 (202630)

The Summer Semester offers a concentrated period of study, with both 14-week and 8-week course options available. You can attend 8-week courses in our summer semester, providing you the ability to complete your online program in less time.

Registration Opens: February 11, 2026

Key Dates for Summer 2026 Sub-Terms:

J Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: Varies
- Start Date: 5/18/26
- End Date: 8/21/26
- Grades Due: 8/28/26
A Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 4/22/26
- Registration Deadline: 5/6/26
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 5/11/26
- Student Access (0 Week): 5/14-17, 2026
- Start Date: 5/18/26
- End Date: 8/21/26
- Grades Due: 8/28/26
B Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 4/22/26
- Registration Deadline: 5/6/26
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 5/11/26
- Student Access (0 Week): 5/14-17, 2026
- Start Date: 5/18/26
- End Date: 7/10/26
- Grades Due: 7/17/26
D Term:
- Acceptance Deadline: 6/3/26
- Registration Deadline: 6/17/26
- Financial Check-In Deadline: 6/22/26
- Student Access (0 Week): 6/25-28, 2026
- Start Date: 6/29/26
- End Date: 8/21/26
- Grades Due: 8/28/26

Additional Calendar Information

The university calendar includes important dates such as faculty return, residence hall openings, holidays, and exam periods. Here's a glimpse into the Fall and Second Semester calendars:

First Semester University Calendar

August 4, Monday: Faculty return
August 5-12, Tuesday - Tuesday: Faculty Orientation
August 13-14, Wednesday - Thursday: Residence Halls open for new students; Dining Hall opens at 12 PM Wednesday for new students
August 15, Friday: Residence Halls open for returning students; Dining Hall opens for breakfast
August 18, Monday: Classes begin
August 18-22, Monday - Friday: Add/Drop Week
August 22, Friday: Last day to add or drop a class
October 9-10, Thursday - Friday: Fall Break
November 21, Friday: Thanksgiving Break begins after last class; Dining Hall closes after dinner
November 24-28, Monday - Friday: Thanksgiving Break
December 5, Friday: Last day of classes; Last day to withdraw from a class with a "W"
December 8-11, Monday - Thursday: Final Exams
December 12, Friday: Residence Halls close at 12 PM; Dining Hall closes after lunch; Fall semester ends
December 19, Friday: Final grades due
Winter Break: December 13 - January 11

Second Semester University Calendar

January 12, Monday: Intensives begin; Faculty return
January 15, Thursday: Residence Halls open for new students; Dining Hall opens at 12 PM for new students
January 16, Friday: Residence Halls open for returning students; Dining Hall opens for breakfast
January 19, Monday: Classes begin; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Military Benefits and Tuition

Liberty University is proud to provide quality, flexible, and affordable education to students in the military. For eligible current and former service members and their spouses, special tuition rates are available. It's important to note that these rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026, and tuition rates may change annually. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also provides educational benefits to eligible veterans and their dependents.

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