Liberty University vs Lancaster Bible College

Liberty University and Lancaster Bible College, while both rooted in Christian values, offer distinct educational experiences. Liberty, a larger institution with an acceptance rate of 68%, boasts a diverse student body and a wide range of academic programs, including popular majors like Business, Education, and Nursing. Lancaster Bible, with a more selective admissions process (acceptance rate of 56%), emphasizes biblical studies and ministry-related majors, catering to students seeking a faith-based education. Both universities offer supportive communities, but their contrasting acceptance rates, academic foci, and student demographics make them suitable for different types of learners. Explore the comparison table to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	Lancaster Bible College	Liberty University
Overview
Location	Lancaster, Pennsylvania	Lynchburg, Virginia
Campus setting	Suburb: 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	80.0%	79.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation		Evangelical

Admission
Acceptance rate	96.0%	99.3%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $40	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1010 - 1210	N/A
ACT range	20 - 26	N/A
Students submitting SAT score	79.0%
Students submitting ACT score	8.0%
Total number of applicants	275	28,448
Total number of admissions given out	264	28,244
Admitted students who chose to enroll	152	5,461
Yield rate	57.6%	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	$37,720	$42,620
Average net price	$22,700	$27,891
Tuition	$26,690	$21,663
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $6,364 Meal plan: $4,840	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 $15,192	89.0% Average amount $12,431
Students receiving federal student loan	70.0% Average amount $5,172	52.0% Average amount $5,619
Students taking out private loans	18.0% Average amount $10,932	9.0% Average amount $17,351

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,545 Men 46.9% Women 53.1%	47,696 Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
Graduate students	422 Men 54.3% Women 45.7%	47,013 Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	31.1%	76.0%
International students	0.0%	0.7%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	450	8,222
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Pennsylvania Maryland Virginia New Jersey New York	Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida

Academics
Popular study areas	Theology Business Education Public Administration and Social Service Communication and Journalism	Education Business Health Professions Psychology Theology
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	17:1
Institutional accreditation	Middle States Commission on Higher Education	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	61.6%	62.1%
Dropout rate	23.2%	30.2%
Transferred out	12.4%	5.6%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Bible/Biblical Studies (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $35,084 Year 2: $36,668 Year 3: $30,578 Music (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $25,194 Year 3: $29,238 Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,628 Year 2: $24,615 Year 3: $22,010 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $27,032 Year 2: $27,295 Year 3: N/A Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $24,327 Year 2: $32,925 Year 3: N/A Bible/Biblical Studies (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $13,104 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Social Work (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $31,477 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $20,969 Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $29,291 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 Lancaster Bible College?

Liberty University offers a much broader range of academic programs, including doctoral degrees and professional schools like law and medicine. Lancaster Bible College primarily focuses on undergraduate and graduate programs in Bible, ministry, and related fields. If you're looking for a wider variety of degree options beyond ministry-related studies, Liberty might be a better fit.
How do the campus environments compare at Liberty University and Lancaster Bible College?

Liberty University has a large, vibrant campus with a wide array of student activities, NCAA Division I athletics, and a more secular feel despite its Christian foundation. Lancaster Bible College offers a smaller, more intimate campus environment with a strong emphasis on spiritual formation and community. If you prefer a larger, more diverse campus with a wider range of extracurricular options, Liberty is the better choice. If you value a close-knit, deeply spiritual community, Lancaster Bible College may be more appealing.
What is the difference in tuition costs between Liberty University and Lancaster Bible College?

Generally, Liberty University's tuition is higher than Lancaster Bible College's. However, both institutions offer financial aid and scholarships. It's best to check each school's website for the most up-to-date tuition rates and financial aid opportunities to determine the actual cost for your specific situation.
How do the schools differ in their denominational affiliations?

Liberty University is a non-denominational Christian university, attracting students from various Christian backgrounds. Lancaster Bible College is interdenominational but has historical ties to the Brethren in Christ Church. While both are Christian institutions, Lancaster Bible College maintains a more specific theological focus rooted in its historical affiliation.
What types of student activities and extracurriculars are available at each school?

Liberty University boasts a wide range of student activities, including NCAA Division I sports, clubs, organizations, and a vibrant student government. Lancaster Bible College offers a more limited selection of extracurriculars, primarily focused on ministry, music, and service opportunities. Liberty provides a broader spectrum of options to cater to diverse interests.
What are the career services and alumni networks like at Liberty University and Lancaster Bible College?

Liberty University has a larger and more established career services department and alumni network due to its size and broader range of programs. Lancaster Bible College offers career services tailored to ministry and related fields, with a smaller but dedicated alumni network. If you're looking for a wider range of career opportunities and a larger alumni base, Liberty might be more advantageous.
How do the schools approach spiritual development and integration of faith into academics?

Both Liberty University and Lancaster Bible College integrate faith into their academic programs and offer opportunities for spiritual development. However, Lancaster Bible College places a stronger emphasis on biblical studies and ministry training across all disciplines. Liberty integrates faith into a broader range of academic fields, offering a Christian worldview within diverse disciplines.
What is the location like for each university and how does that impact student life?

Liberty University is located in Lynchburg, Virginia, a mid-sized city offering a mix of urban and outdoor activities. Lancaster Bible College is located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a smaller city known for its historical charm and proximity to both rural and urban areas. Liberty's location provides access to a wider range of entertainment and job opportunities, while Lancaster offers a more peaceful and community-focused environment.
What are the admission requirements for Liberty University and Lancaster Bible College?

Both universities require a completed application, high school transcripts, and standardized test scores (though policies may vary, so check their websites for the most up-to-date information). Liberty University may have slightly more competitive admission standards due to its larger size and broader applicant pool. Lancaster Bible College may place more emphasis on a student's Christian faith and commitment to ministry.
Do both schools offer online programs, and how do they compare?

Yes, both Liberty University and Lancaster Bible College offer online programs. Liberty University has a significantly larger and more established online program with a wider variety of degree options. Lancaster Bible College offers a more focused selection of online programs, primarily in Bible, ministry, and leadership. If you're looking for a comprehensive online learning experience with numerous degree choices, Liberty is likely the better option.

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