Liberty University vs Patrick Henry College

Liberty University and Patrick Henry College, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Liberty, a sprawling Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts an acceptance rate of 68%, while Patrick Henry, a smaller, conservative Christian college in Purcellville, Virginia, maintains a more selective admissions process with an acceptance rate of 49%. Liberty's diverse student body comprises over 100,000 students, while Patrick Henry's close-knit community consists of approximately 400 students. Both institutions offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, with Liberty excelling in fields like business, education, and nursing, and Patrick Henry specializing in government, history, and philosophy. With Liberty's 6-year graduation rate at 54% and Patrick Henry's at 80%, both universities prioritize student success and provide ample resources to support their students' academic journeys. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into the unique characteristics of each
Liberty University logo

Liberty University

Patrick Henry College logo

Patrick Henry College

Overview

Location Lynchburg, Virginia Purcellville, Virginia
Campus setting City: Small Town: Fringe
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
Students retention rate 79.0% 91.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Evangelical

Admission

Acceptance rate 99.3% 82.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
$40
SAT range N/A 1170 - 1408
ACT range N/A 27 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 67.0%
Students submitting ACT score 44.0%
Total number of applicants 28,448 239
Total number of admissions given out 28,244 197
Admitted students who chose to enroll 5,461 105
Yield rate 19.3% 53.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $42,620 $38,325
Average net price $27,891 $25,430
Tuition $21,663 $28,400
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,150

Meal plan: $4,560
Room/dormitory: $5,000

Meal plan: $6,020
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

89.0%
Average amount $12,431
95.0%
Average amount $13,947
Students receiving federal student loan 52.0%
Average amount $5,619
0.0%
Average amount $0
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $17,351
12.0%
Average amount $20,509

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 47,696
Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
387
Men 50.4% Women 49.6%
Graduate students 47,013
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 76.0% N/A
International students 0.7% N/A
Campus local/setting City: Small Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity 8,222 295
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Psychology
  • Theology
  • Military Technologies
  • Social Sciences
  • Liberal Arts
  • Communication and Journalism
  • English Language and Literature
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 14:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools

Outcome

Graduation rate 62.1% 71.0%
Dropout rate 30.2% 27.5%
Transferred out 5.6% N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
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
N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the primary religious affiliations of Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Both Liberty University and Patrick Henry College are Christian institutions. Liberty University is affiliated with the Baptist tradition, while Patrick Henry College is non-denominational, emphasizing a Reformed worldview.

  • How do the academic approaches of Liberty University and Patrick Henry College differ?

    Liberty University offers a broad range of academic programs with a more traditional, large-university structure. Patrick Henry College, on the other hand, focuses on a classical liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on the Great Books and a rigorous, debate-oriented curriculum. PHC also has a much smaller student body, allowing for more individualized attention.

  • What is the typical student body size at Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Liberty University has a significantly larger student body, with tens of thousands of students enrolled in both online and residential programs. Patrick Henry College is much smaller, with a student body typically numbering in the hundreds, fostering a close-knit community.

  • What are the campus environments like at Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Liberty University has a large, modern campus with extensive facilities, including athletic complexes, a large library, and numerous student activities. Patrick Henry College has a more intimate campus setting, emphasizing community and close interaction among students and faculty. PHC's campus is also located in a more rural setting.

  • How do the tuition and financial aid options compare between Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Tuition costs can vary, so it's best to check the most current figures on each university's website. Both universities offer financial aid options, including scholarships and grants. However, the specific types and amounts of aid may differ, so prospective students should explore the financial aid resources of each institution to determine the best fit for their needs.

  • What types of extracurricular activities are available at Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Liberty University offers a wide array of extracurricular activities, including a robust athletics program (NCAA Division I), numerous clubs, and student organizations. Patrick Henry College emphasizes debate, moot court, and other activities that support its classical curriculum, along with a smaller selection of clubs and organizations.

  • What are the career services and opportunities like at Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Both universities provide career services to assist students with job placement and career development. Liberty University, with its larger alumni network and diverse programs, may offer a broader range of career-specific resources. Patrick Henry College, with its focus on a classical education, often prepares students for careers in law, government, and related fields, and has a strong track record of placing graduates in these areas.

  • How do the admission requirements differ between Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Admission requirements vary. Liberty University generally has a more open admissions policy, while Patrick Henry College is known for its highly selective admissions process, which includes essays, interviews, and standardized test scores. PHC seeks students who demonstrate strong academic abilities and a commitment to their specific educational philosophy.

  • What is the overall atmosphere or culture like at Liberty University and Patrick Henry College?

    Liberty University has a more diverse student body and a broader range of social activities, reflecting its larger size. Patrick Henry College fosters a close-knit community with a strong emphasis on conservative Christian values and a shared academic and philosophical framework.

  • Which college is better for someone seeking a specific type of education?

    If you are seeking a broad, traditional university experience with a wide range of programs and a large student body, Liberty University might be a better fit. If you are looking for a rigorous, classical liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on debate, a close-knit community, and a specific worldview, Patrick Henry College may be the better choice.

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