Liberty University vs Southern Virginia University
Liberty University is a private university in Lynchburg, VA, and Southern Virginia University is a private university in Buena Vista, VA. Southern Virginia University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 99% at Liberty University. Southern Virginia University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,213 a year against $29,357 at Liberty University. About 64% of students graduate at Liberty University, compared with 36% at Southern Virginia University. Ten years after enrolling, Southern Virginia University alumni earn a median of about $50,002, against $44,813 for Liberty University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lynchburg, VA
Buena Vista, VA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
50,012
936
Acceptance rate
99%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1250
943–1253
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
18–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,357
$22,213
Full cost / yr
$42,025
$34,431
In-state tuition
$22,465
$21,280
Out-of-state tuition
$22,465
$21,280
Application fee
$50
$35
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$30,667
$18,957
$30k - $48k
$27,807
$19,501
$48k - $75k
$27,347
$20,630
$75k - $110k
$27,142
$23,407
Over $110k
$30,545
$27,108
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
36%
Freshman retention
80%
74%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,707
$36,988
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,813
$50,002
Median debt at graduation
$24,500
$24,224
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
45%
First-generation students
42%
17%
International students
1%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 29
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Liberty University or Southern Virginia University harder to get into?
- Southern Virginia University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 99% at Liberty University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Liberty University or Southern Virginia University?
- Southern Virginia University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,213 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,357 at Liberty University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Liberty University and Southern Virginia University?
- Before aid, Southern Virginia University costs about $34,431 a year and Liberty University about $42,025. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Liberty University or Southern Virginia University?
- Southern Virginia University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,957 there, against about $30,667 at Liberty University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Liberty University or Southern Virginia University?
- Liberty University is the larger of the two, with about 50,012 undergraduates against 936 at Southern Virginia University.
- Does Liberty University or Southern Virginia University have a better graduation rate?
- Liberty University has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 36% at Southern Virginia University.
- Do graduates of Liberty University or Southern Virginia University earn more?
- Southern Virginia University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $50,002 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,813 for Liberty University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Liberty University and Southern Virginia University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Liberty University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Southern Virginia University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Liberty University and Southern Virginia University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1250 at Liberty University and 943–1253 at Southern Virginia University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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