Liberty University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Liberty University is a private university in Lynchburg, VA, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institute in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 55% of applicants against 99% at Liberty University. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $24,953 a year against $29,357 at Liberty University. About 86% of students graduate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, compared with 64% at Liberty University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn a median of about $81,698, against $44,813 for Liberty University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Lynchburg, VA
Blacksburg, VA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
50,012
30,923
Acceptance rate
99%
55%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.19–3.69
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1040–1250
1280–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,357
$24,953
Full cost / yr
$42,025
$36,951
In-state tuition
$22,465
$15,948
Out-of-state tuition
$22,465
$37,764
Application fee
$50
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$30,667
$11,689
$30k - $48k
$27,807
$11,670
$48k - $75k
$27,347
$17,894
$75k - $110k
$27,142
$25,835
Over $110k
$30,545
$34,201
Outcomes
Graduation rate
64%
86%
Freshman retention
80%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,707
$67,377
Median earnings (10 yr)
$44,813
$81,698
Median debt at graduation
$24,500
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
15%
First-generation students
42%
18%
International students
1%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jul 29
Jan 15
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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University harder to get into?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,953 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Before aid, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University costs about $36,951 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,689 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 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
- Liberty University is the larger of the two, with about 50,012 undergraduates against 30,923 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
- Does Liberty University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a better graduation rate?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 64% at Liberty University.
- Do graduates of Liberty University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn more?
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,698 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,813 for Liberty University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Liberty University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Liberty University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Liberty University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1040–1250 at Liberty University and 1280–1450 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Liberty University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusLiberty University vs James Madison UniversityLiberty University vs George Mason UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs University of Virginia-Main CampusVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs James Madison UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University vs George Mason University
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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