Liberty University vs Belmont

Liberty University and Belmont University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Liberty, a Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts a sprawling campus and a diverse student body, while Belmont, a private Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee, prides itself on its strong music and performing arts programs. With Liberty's higher acceptance rate and Belmont's lower student-to-faculty ratio, prospective students have the opportunity to choose the environment that best suits their academic and personal preferences. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, graduation rates, and student demographics, to make an informed decision about your educational journey.

	Belmont University	Liberty University
Overview
Location	Nashville, Tennessee	Lynchburg, Virginia
Campus setting	City: Large	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	84.0%	79.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation	Interdenominational	Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	88.1%	99.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1150 - 1340	N/A
ACT range	24 - 30	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	22.0%
Students submitting ACT score	44.0%
Total number of applicants	9,614	28,448
Total number of admissions given out	8,468	28,244
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,834	5,461
Yield rate	21.7%	19.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	$59,150	$42,620
Average net price	$35,268	$27,891
Tuition	$36,650	$21,663
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $7,250 Meal plan: $5,990	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)	88.0% Average amount $21,471	89.0% Average amount $12,431
Students receiving federal student loan	35.0% Average amount $5,137	52.0% Average amount $5,619
Students taking out private loans	6.0% Average amount $25,329	9.0% Average amount $17,351

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	7,076 Men 34.8% Women 65.2%	47,696 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Graduate students	1,620 Men 31.0% Women 69.0%	47,013 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	76.0%
International students	0.8%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	3,734	8,222
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Visual & Performing Arts Health Professions Business Legal Profession Communications Technology	Education Business Health Professions Psychology Theology
Students to faculty ratio	14:1	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	68.2%	62.1%
Dropout rate	31.7%	30.2%
Transferred out	N/A	5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $100,913 Year 2: $110,643 Year 3: $117,926 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,633 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $91,743 Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,539 Year 2: $80,669 Year 3: $88,128 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,485 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $76,331 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $62,188 Year 2: $62,674 Year 3: $71,582 Law (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $51,042 Year 2: $52,420 Year 3: $67,413 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $61,328 Year 2: $61,651 Year 3: $57,696 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $55,459 Year 2: $55,026 Year 3: $57,289 Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $30,024 Year 2: $38,289 Year 3: $48,289 International Business (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: $46,756	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 main differences between Liberty University and Belmont University?

Liberty University is a large, private evangelical Christian university known for its conservative values and strong online programs. Belmont University, also private, is a Christian university with a focus on liberal arts and professional programs, particularly in the music and entertainment industries. Liberty is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, while Belmont is in Nashville, Tennessee, offering distinct campus environments and city experiences.
Which university is larger, Liberty or Belmont?

Liberty University is significantly larger than Belmont University. Liberty boasts a much larger student body, especially when considering its extensive online programs. Belmont has a smaller, more intimate campus environment.
How do the academic focuses of Liberty and Belmont differ?

Liberty University offers a broad range of programs with a strong emphasis on professional and pre-professional training, often integrating a Christian worldview into the curriculum. Belmont University excels in liberal arts, business, and particularly in music, entertainment, and healthcare fields. Belmont's location in Nashville provides unique opportunities in the music industry.
What is the religious affiliation of each university?

Both Liberty University and Belmont University are private Christian institutions. Liberty University is explicitly evangelical Christian, with a strong emphasis on conservative Christian values. Belmont University is affiliated with the Baptist tradition but is generally considered more moderate and ecumenical in its approach to faith.
How do the campus environments compare?

Liberty University's campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a more traditional college town experience, though the university itself is a dominant presence. Belmont University's location in Nashville, Tennessee, provides students with access to a vibrant city known for its music scene, culture, and career opportunities in the entertainment industry.
What types of students are typically drawn to each university?

Liberty University typically attracts students seeking a strong evangelical Christian environment with a focus on conservative values and career-oriented programs. Belmont University tends to attract students interested in the arts, music, entertainment, and liberal arts, who are also seeking a Christian education within a more moderate and diverse community.
How do the costs of attending Liberty University and Belmont University compare?

Tuition costs can vary, so it's best to check the latest figures on each university's website. Generally, Liberty University may offer more accessible tuition rates, especially for its online programs. Belmont University's tuition is often higher, reflecting its location and specialized programs. Be sure to factor in scholarships and financial aid when comparing costs.
What are the strengths of Liberty University?

Liberty University's strengths include its strong online programs, its commitment to conservative Christian values, its affordability, and its focus on career-oriented programs. It also offers a wide range of athletic opportunities.
What are the strengths of Belmont University?

Belmont University's strengths lie in its location in Nashville, its strong programs in music, entertainment, and healthcare, its focus on liberal arts, and its more moderate and diverse Christian community. It also boasts a beautiful campus and strong connections to the Nashville community.
Which university is better for online programs?

Liberty University is widely recognized for its extensive and well-established online programs. While Belmont University offers some online courses, Liberty's online presence is significantly larger and more comprehensive.
Which university is better for students interested in the music industry?

Belmont University is generally considered the better choice for students specifically interested in the music industry. Its location in Nashville, combined with its renowned music and entertainment programs, provides unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and career advancement in the music business.
Do both universities offer scholarships and financial aid?

Yes, both Liberty University and Belmont University offer scholarships and financial aid to eligible students. The specific types and amounts of aid available will vary based on academic merit, financial need, and other factors. It's important to visit each university's financial aid website to learn more and apply.
How do the graduation rates compare between Liberty and Belmont?

Graduation rates can vary. It's best to consult the official statistics published by each university and by organizations like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to get the most up-to-date and accurate information on graduation rates.
What is campus life like at each university?

Liberty University's campus life is centered around its strong Christian community, with numerous opportunities for spiritual growth and involvement. Belmont University's campus life is more diverse and offers a wider range of activities, reflecting its location in Nashville and its focus on the arts and entertainment. Both universities offer a variety of clubs, organizations, and events for students to participate in.

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