Covenant College vs Liberty University

Covenant College and Liberty University, both esteemed Christian institutions, offer unique educational experiences. Covenant, nestled in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, boasts a tight-knit community with a low acceptance rate of 58% and an average class size of 16. Liberty, situated in Lynchburg, Virginia, is larger, with an acceptance rate of 70% and an average class size of 25. While both offer a range of majors, Covenant emphasizes the liberal arts, while Liberty is known for its strong programs in business, education, and nursing. Covenant's student body is predominantly white (78%) and female (58%), while Liberty's is more diverse, with a larger percentage of male students (53%) and a significant international student population. With graduation rates of 75% and 60% respectively, both institutions provide students with the support and resources needed to succeed. Explore the comparison table below to discover more about these two exceptional Christian colleges and

	Covenant College	Liberty University
Overview
Location	Lookout Mountain, Georgia	Lynchburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Rural: Fringe	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Private (Non Profit)	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	83.0%	79.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Presbyterian	Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.5%	99.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $35 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1070 - 1300	N/A
ACT range	23 - 29	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	34.0%
Students submitting ACT score	45.0%
Total number of applicants	794	28,448
Total number of admissions given out	703	28,244
Admitted students who chose to enroll	266	5,461
Yield rate	37.8%	19.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$50,030	$42,620
Average net price	$25,536	$27,891
Tuition	$36,700	$21,663
Room & board	$11,300	Room/dormitory: $6,150 Meal plan: $4,560
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	99.0% Average amount $25,140	89.0% Average amount $12,431
Students receiving federal student loan	51.0% Average amount $5,496	52.0% Average amount $5,619
Students taking out private loans	12.0% Average amount $12,986	9.0% Average amount $17,351

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	872 Men 46.7% Women 53.3%	47,696 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Graduate students	42 Men 28.6% Women 71.4%	47,013 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	63.4%	76.0%
International students	2.6%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	Rural: Fringe	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	807	8,222
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Georgia Tennessee Florida Alabama Texas	Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Multidisciplinary Studies Biological and Biomedical Sciences English Language and Literature Business	Education Business Health Professions Psychology Theology
Students to faculty ratio	11:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	72.9%	62.1%
Dropout rate	5.8%	30.2%
Transferred out	21.3%	5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,172 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $34,231 English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,687 Year 3: N/A Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $28,598 Year 3: N/A Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $28,478 Year 2: $24,369 Year 3: N/A Economics (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $38,105 Year 2: $30,771 Year 3: N/A	Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $84,316 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $91,964 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $80,385 Year 2: $80,964 Year 3: $87,831 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,657 Year 2: $68,219 Year 3: $77,205 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,410 Year 2: $72,022 Year 3: $73,900 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,556 Year 2: $51,106 Year 3: $65,313 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,731 Year 2: $62,936 Year 3: $64,580 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,576 Year 2: $57,705 Year 3: $62,807 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $60,423 Year 2: $57,714 Year 3: $62,225 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $40,885 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $62,169 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $58,240 Year 2: $59,895 Year 3: $61,052

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary religious affiliations of Covenant College and Liberty University?

Covenant College is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), while Liberty University is Baptist. This difference influences the theological perspectives and campus culture at each institution. Covenant College emphasizes Reformed theology, while Liberty University aligns with Baptist beliefs.
How do the academic programs at Covenant College and Liberty University differ?

Both universities offer a wide range of academic programs. Liberty University is significantly larger and offers a broader selection of programs, including extensive online offerings. Covenant College, being smaller, focuses on a more intimate learning environment with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and a core curriculum rooted in Christian thought. Liberty has a more extensive selection of professional programs.
What is the typical campus environment like at Covenant College and Liberty University?

Covenant College offers a close-knit, residential campus experience with a strong sense of community. The campus is located on Lookout Mountain, providing a unique setting. Liberty University has a much larger campus with a more diverse student body and a wider array of extracurricular activities. Liberty's campus is also residential, but the scale is considerably larger.
How do the costs of attendance compare between Covenant College and Liberty University?

Tuition and fees can vary. It's recommended to check the official websites of both Covenant College and Liberty University for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities. Generally, costs can fluctuate based on the specific program and residential status.
What are the student-to-faculty ratios at Covenant College and Liberty University?

Covenant College typically has a lower student-to-faculty ratio, fostering more personalized attention and interaction between students and professors. Liberty University, due to its larger size, generally has a higher student-to-faculty ratio, though this can vary by department and program.
How do the campus cultures of Covenant College and Liberty University differ?

Covenant College's culture is characterized by a strong emphasis on community, spiritual formation, and a commitment to Reformed theology. Liberty University's culture is known for its conservative Christian values, emphasis on evangelism, and a more politically active student body. Both institutions prioritize Christian values, but they express them in different ways.
What are the athletic programs like at Covenant College and Liberty University?

Liberty University has a robust NCAA Division I athletic program, offering a wide range of sports and competitive opportunities. Covenant College competes in NCAA Division III, focusing on a more balanced approach to academics and athletics. The level of competition and the resources dedicated to athletics differ significantly.
How do the locations of Covenant College and Liberty University impact the student experience?

Covenant College is located on Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, Tennessee, offering access to outdoor recreation and a smaller city environment. Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, a mid-sized city with its own distinct character. The location influences the available activities, job opportunities, and overall lifestyle.
What are the graduation rates and career services like at Covenant College and Liberty University?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job placement and career development. Graduation rates can vary, and it's best to consult the most recent data from each institution. Liberty University, with its larger alumni network, may offer a broader range of career connections, while Covenant College's smaller size can provide more personalized career guidance.
How do the admission requirements differ between Covenant College and Liberty University?

Admission requirements, including GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and application essays, can vary. It's essential to review the specific requirements for each institution on their respective websites. Both schools consider a student's commitment to Christian faith and values during the admissions process, but the specific criteria may differ.

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