Liberty University vs California Intercontinental University

Liberty University and California Intercontinental University, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to students with diverse aspirations. Liberty University, a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts a sprawling campus and a large student body, while California Intercontinental University, a private for-profit university with multiple campuses across the United States, caters to working adults seeking flexible learning options. With varying acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, these universities present contrasting academic landscapes. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals, learning preferences, and personal values.
California Intercontinental University logo

California Intercontinental University

Liberty University logo

Liberty University

Overview

Location Irvine, California Lynchburg, Virginia
Campus setting City: Large City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (For Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system Non Traditional Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 79.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Evangelical

Admission

Acceptance rate Open Admission 99.3%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $25

Graduate: $25
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 28,448
Total number of admissions given out 28,244
Admitted students who chose to enroll 5,461
Yield rate 19.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A
High school GPA N/A Required
Recommendation letters N/A Not required
High school transcript N/A Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) N/A Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $28,375 $42,620
Average net price $27,891
Tuition $9,720 $21,663
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,150

Meal plan: $4,560
Available payment plans
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Other alternative tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

89.0%
Average amount $12,431
Students receiving federal student loan 52.0%
Average amount $5,619
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $17,351

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 160
Men 51.2% Women 48.8%
47,696
Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Graduate students 313
Men 57.2% Women 42.8%
47,013
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Low
Out-of-state students N/A 76.0%
International students N/A 0.7%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Small
Dormitory capacity N/A 8,222
First year students are required to live on campus? N/A No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Engineering Technologies
  • Liberal Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Psychology
  • Theology
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 17:1
Institutional accreditation Distance Education Accrediting Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 100.0% 62.1%
Dropout rate N/A 30.2%
Transferred out N/A 5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $101,964
  • Year 3: N/A
International Business (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $98,795
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Management Information Systems and Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $111,591
  • Year 2: N/A
  • 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 main differences in academic focus between Liberty University and California Intercontinental University?

    Liberty University emphasizes a broad range of disciplines with a strong integration of Christian values into its curriculum. It offers programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels across various fields like business, law, ministry, and the arts. California Intercontinental University (CIU), on the other hand, primarily focuses on business-related programs at the graduate level, particularly MBA and doctoral degrees in business administration. CIU is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their careers.

  • How do the learning formats differ between Liberty University and California Intercontinental University?

    Liberty University offers a diverse range of learning formats, including residential programs on its campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, as well as a comprehensive online program. This allows students to choose the learning style that best suits their needs. California Intercontinental University is exclusively online, providing flexibility for students who need to balance their education with work and other commitments.

  • What is the tuition structure like at Liberty University compared to California Intercontinental University?

    Liberty University generally has a more varied tuition structure depending on the program and whether it's online or residential. While specific costs can vary, it's important to check their website for the most up-to-date information. California Intercontinental University typically has a more streamlined tuition model, often based on a per-credit-hour rate for its graduate programs. It's generally designed to be transparent and predictable for online learners.

  • What kind of student support services are available at each university?

    Liberty University provides a wide array of student support services, including academic advising, career services, disability services, and a comprehensive library system, both online and on-campus. California Intercontinental University, being an online institution, focuses on providing virtual support services such as online tutoring, digital library resources, and dedicated student advisors to assist with academic and administrative needs.

  • How does the faculty expertise differ between Liberty University and California Intercontinental University?

    Liberty University's faculty comprises individuals with diverse academic and professional backgrounds across a wide range of disciplines. Many faculty members hold terminal degrees in their fields and bring real-world experience to the classroom. California Intercontinental University's faculty primarily consists of experienced business professionals and academics with expertise in areas such as management, finance, and marketing. They often have extensive industry experience, which they integrate into their teaching.

  • What are the accreditation differences between Liberty University and California Intercontinental University?

    Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which is a widely recognized and respected accreditation. California Intercontinental University is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). While both are recognized accrediting bodies, regional accreditation is generally considered more prestigious and may be preferred by some employers and other educational institutions.

  • What is the typical student profile for each university?

    Liberty University attracts a diverse student body, including traditional undergraduate students, working adults, and international students. Many students are drawn to Liberty's Christian worldview and its wide range of academic programs. California Intercontinental University primarily caters to working professionals seeking advanced degrees in business-related fields. The typical student is often mid-career and looking to enhance their skills and career prospects through online education.

  • How do the career services differ between Liberty University and California Intercontinental University?

    Liberty University offers comprehensive career services, including on-campus recruiting events, career counseling, resume workshops, and internship opportunities across various industries. California Intercontinental University provides career resources tailored to its online student population, such as online job boards, resume review services, and career coaching focused on advancing within the business sector.

  • What is the role of faith in the educational experience at Liberty University compared to California Intercontinental University?

    Liberty University integrates a Christian worldview into all aspects of its academic programs and campus life. Students are encouraged to explore their faith and its relevance to their chosen field of study. California Intercontinental University does not have a religious affiliation and focuses primarily on providing a secular, business-oriented education.

  • What are the key factors to consider when choosing between Liberty University and California Intercontinental University?

    When deciding between Liberty University and California Intercontinental University, consider your academic goals, preferred learning format, career aspirations, and personal values. If you're seeking a broad range of programs with a Christian worldview and a mix of online and on-campus options, Liberty University might be a good fit. If you're a working professional looking for a flexible, online MBA or doctoral program in business, California Intercontinental University could be a better choice.

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