Liberty University vs Cedarville University

Liberty University and Cedarville University, both esteemed Christian institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to students seeking a faith-based education. Liberty, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts a significantly larger student body and a more diverse range of academic programs compared to Cedarville, nestled in Cedarville, Ohio. While Liberty's acceptance rate is higher, Cedarville maintains a slightly higher graduation rate. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions between these two exceptional universities, including popular majors, student demographics, and additional factors that may influence your decision in choosing the ideal academic environment for your educational journey.

	Cedarville University	Liberty University
Overview
Location	Cedarville, Ohio	Lynchburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Town: 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	86.0%	79.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation	Baptist	Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	62.2%	99.3%
Application fees	$30	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1120 - 1350	N/A
ACT range	22 - 29	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	33.0%
Students submitting ACT score	55.0%
Total number of applicants	5,223	28,448
Total number of admissions given out	3,251	28,244
Admitted students who chose to enroll	972	5,461
Yield rate	29.9%	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	$45,384	$42,620
Average net price	$25,380	$27,891
Tuition	$33,174	$21,663
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $4,602 Meal plan: $3,518	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)	100.0% Average amount $18,636	89.0% Average amount $12,431
Students receiving federal student loan	48.0% Average amount $4,995	52.0% Average amount $5,619
Students taking out private loans	10.0% Average amount $15,502	9.0% Average amount $17,351

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	4,191 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%	47,696 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Graduate students	452 Men 43.4% Women 56.6%	47,013 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	64.1%	76.0%
International students	1.8%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	Town: Fringe	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	2,940	8,222
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Ohio Michigan Indiana Pennsylvania Illinois	Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Engineering Business Theology	Education Business Health Professions Psychology Theology
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	73.3%	62.1%
Dropout rate	26.4%	30.2%
Transferred out	N/A	5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $83,280 Year 2: $96,183 Year 3: $119,287 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $71,469 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $73,725 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $62,392 Year 2: $62,409 Year 3: $69,774 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,260 Year 2: $56,532 Year 3: $56,672 Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $32,043 Year 2: $35,420 Year 3: $41,677 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,682 Year 2: $30,409 Year 3: $40,207 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,131 Year 2: $36,132 Year 3: $37,025 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,784 Year 2: $33,993 Year 3: $36,745 Radio, Television, and Digital Communication (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $33,326 Year 2: $28,019 Year 3: $36,339 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $48,998 Year 2: $57,318 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 between Liberty University and Cedarville University?

Liberty University is a large, non-denominational Christian university known for its diverse academic programs, strong online presence, and focus on practical skills. Cedarville University is a smaller, Baptist university emphasizing a rigorous academic experience integrated with a distinctively biblical worldview and a close-knit community.
How do Liberty University and Cedarville University compare in terms of size and location?

Liberty University is significantly larger, with a total enrollment exceeding 100,000 students (including online). It's located in Lynchburg, Virginia, a mid-sized city in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Cedarville University is much smaller, with an enrollment of around 5,000 students, and is situated in Cedarville, Ohio, a small village near Dayton.
What is the religious affiliation of Liberty University and Cedarville University?

Liberty University is non-denominational, attracting students from various Christian backgrounds. While it maintains a strong evangelical Christian identity, it's not formally affiliated with a specific denomination. Cedarville University is affiliated with the Baptist denomination and upholds traditional Baptist values and doctrines.
How do the academic programs at Liberty University and Cedarville University differ?

Liberty University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including fields like aviation, business, law, and cinematic arts. Cedarville University focuses on providing strong programs in areas like engineering, nursing, pharmacy, and biblical studies, with a greater emphasis on integrating faith into all academic disciplines.
What is the campus culture like at Liberty University and Cedarville University?

Liberty University has a vibrant and diverse campus culture with a wide array of student activities, clubs, and organizations. It's known for its large-scale events and a more relaxed social atmosphere. Cedarville University fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on spiritual formation, discipleship, and service. The social environment is more structured and focused on Christian fellowship.
How do the costs of attending Liberty University and Cedarville University compare?

Tuition costs can vary depending on the program and financial aid received. Generally, Liberty University's tuition may be slightly lower, especially for online programs. However, it's essential to compare the total cost of attendance, including room, board, and fees, and to explore scholarship and financial aid opportunities at both institutions to determine the most affordable option for your specific circumstances.
What are the admission requirements for Liberty University and Cedarville University?

Both universities require applicants to submit transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and letters of recommendation. Liberty University may have slightly less stringent admission requirements due to its larger size and broader acceptance rate. Cedarville University typically seeks students with strong academic records and a clear commitment to Christian values.
What kind of student would thrive at Liberty University versus Cedarville University?

Liberty University is a good fit for students seeking a large, diverse university with a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities and a more flexible social environment. Cedarville University is ideal for students who desire a smaller, more intimate Christian community with a strong emphasis on spiritual development and a rigorous academic experience rooted in a biblical worldview.
Do Liberty University and Cedarville University offer online programs?

Yes, both universities offer online programs. Liberty University is particularly well-known for its extensive online offerings, providing a wide variety of degree programs and courses. Cedarville University also offers online programs, though the selection may be more limited compared to Liberty.
What are the career services like at Liberty University and Cedarville University?

Both universities offer career services to help students prepare for their future careers. Liberty University's career center provides resources such as resume workshops, mock interviews, and job fairs, leveraging its large alumni network. Cedarville University's career services focus on helping students connect their faith and vocation, offering personalized guidance and internship opportunities.

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