In this article, we will compare two popular higher education institutions: Liberty University and Grand Canyon University. We will examine various aspects of each school, such as costs, admissions, academics, diversity, and outcomes to help prospective students make an informed decision about which institution is the best fit for them.
Liberty University Overview
Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, is a private Christian university founded in 1971. With a total enrollment of over 100,000 students, including both residential and online learners, Liberty is one of the largest Christian universities in the world.
Liberty University Costs & Tuition
Liberty University offers affordable tuition rates, with undergraduate tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year at $22,747 for full-time residential students. Online students pay $390 per credit hour for undergraduate courses. Graduate tuition varies depending on the program, with rates starting at $565 per credit hour.
Liberty University Admissions
Admission to Liberty University is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 56%. Applicants must submit high school transcripts, a personal essay, and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). The average SAT score for admitted students is 1040-1260, while the average ACT score is 20-28.
Liberty University Degrees Offered
Liberty University offers over 700 academic programs, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees. Popular majors include business, psychology, and education. Many programs are available online, providing flexibility for working professionals and students who need to balance their education with other life commitments.
Liberty University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, Liberty University offers a supportive academic environment. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and has numerous program-specific accreditations as well.
Liberty University Diversity
Liberty University has a diverse student body, with students from all 50 states and over 70 countries. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and offers resources such as the Center for Multicultural Enrichment to support students from diverse backgrounds.
Liberty University Students
The student population at Liberty University is diverse, with students from various religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. The university offers numerous clubs and organizations, including academic, athletic, and cultural groups, to cater to the interests of its students.
Liberty University Campus
Situated on a 7,000-acre campus, Liberty University offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, residence halls, and recreational amenities. The university also hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, promoting student engagement and community involvement.
Liberty University Alumni
Notable alumni from Liberty University include Rashad Jennings, former NFL running back, and Karen Kingsbury, a best-selling author. The university offers career services and networking opportunities to help graduates succeed in their chosen fields.
Liberty University Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Liberty University at #298-#389 in National Universities and #80 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for 2021.
Liberty University Outcomes
Liberty University boasts a 50% graduation rate and has a strong commitment to student success. The university offers numerous resources, such as academic advising and career counseling, to help students achieve their goals.
Grand Canyon University Overview
Grand Canyon University (GCU), located in Phoenix, Arizona, is a private Christian university founded in 1949. With a total enrollment of over 90,000 students, GCU is one of the largest Christian universities in the United States.
Grand Canyon University Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Grand Canyon University for the 2021-2022 academic year is $17,800 for full-time residential students. Online students pay $470 per credit hour for undergraduate courses. Graduate tuition varies depending on the program, with rates starting at $530 per credit hour.
Grand Canyon University Admissions
Admission to GCU is considered moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 73%. Applicants must submit high school transcripts and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT). The average SAT score for admitted students is 1000-1230, and the average ACT score is 19-26.
Grand Canyon University Degrees Offered
GCU offers over 200 academic programs, ranging from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees. Popular majors include business, healthcare, and education. Many programs are available online, providing flexibility for working professionals and students who need to balance their education with other life commitments.
Grand Canyon University Academics
With a student-faculty ratio of 20:1, GCU provides a supportive academic environment. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and has numerous program-specific accreditations as well.
Grand Canyon University Diversity
Grand Canyon University is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity on campus. The student population is diverse, with students representing various religious, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Grand Canyon University Students
GCU offers a wide range of student clubs and organizations, catering to various interests, including academic, athletic, and cultural groups. The university also hosts numerous events and activities throughout the year, promoting student engagement and community involvement.
Grand Canyon University Campus
GCU’s 260-acre campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, residence halls, and recreational amenities. The university is also home to the GCU Arena, a multi-purpose venue that hosts concerts, sporting events, and other activities.
Grand Canyon University Alumni
Notable alumni from GCU include John Quiñones, an Emmy-winning journalist and host of ABC’s “What Would You Do?”, and Danny White, a former NFL quarterback. The university offers career services and networking opportunities to help graduates succeed in their chosen fields.
Grand Canyon University Rankings
U.S. News & World Report ranks Grand Canyon University at #298-#389 in National Universities and #68 in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for 2021.
Grand Canyon University Outcomes
Grand Canyon University has a 41% graduation rate and is committed to student success. The university offers numerous resources, such as academic advising and career counseling, to help students achieve their goals.
Liberty University vs Grand Canyon University Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Liberty University and Grand Canyon University, there are several factors to consider. Liberty’s residential tuition is $22,747, while GCU’s is $17,800. However, online tuition for undergraduate courses is lower at Liberty ($390 per credit hour) compared to GCU ($470 per credit hour). Graduate tuition rates vary by program, but both institutions offer competitive pricing.
Liberty University vs Grand Canyon University Admissions Difficulty
Admissions at both Liberty University and Grand Canyon University are considered moderately selective, with acceptance rates of 56% and 73%, respectively. Both institutions require high school transcripts and standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) for admission. The average SAT and ACT scores for admitted students at Liberty are slightly higher than those at GCU, indicating a slightly more competitive admissions process at Liberty.
Liberty University vs Grand Canyon University Academic Difficulty
Liberty University and Grand Canyon University both provide supportive academic environments, with student-faculty ratios of 18:1 and 20:1, respectively. Both institutions are accredited and offer a wide range of academic programs. The choice between the two universities will ultimately depend on the specific program of interest and the individual needs of the student.
Liberty University vs Grand Canyon University Outcome Comparison
Liberty University has a slightly higher graduation rate (50%) than Grand Canyon University (41%). Both institutions are committed to student success and offer resources such as academic advising and career counseling to help students achieve their goals. Ultimately, the best fit for a student will depend on their personal goals, career aspirations, and the specific programs offered by each university.
