Liberty University vs Regent

Liberty University and Regent University, both esteemed Christian institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to students seeking a faith-based education. Liberty, with its sprawling campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts a significantly larger student body and a more diverse range of academic programs compared to Regent's cozy campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. While Liberty's acceptance rate is slightly higher, Regent maintains a smaller class size, fostering a more intimate learning environment. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions between these two prominent Christian universities, including popular majors, student demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Liberty University logo

Liberty University

Regent University logo

Regent University

Overview

Location Lynchburg, Virginia Virginia Beach, Virginia
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
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 79.0% 74.0%
Common app member No Yes
Religious affiliation Evangelical

Admission

Acceptance rate 99.3% 40.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range N/A 960 - 1230
ACT range N/A 23 - 29
Students submitting SAT score 17.0%
Students submitting ACT score 5.0%
Total number of applicants 28,448 5,240
Total number of admissions given out 28,244 2,133
Admitted students who chose to enroll 5,461 438
Yield rate 19.3% 20.5%
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 Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $42,620 $32,780
Average net price $27,891 $16,579
Tuition $21,663 $17,220
Room & board
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)

89.0%
Average amount $12,431
99.0%
Average amount $13,174
Students receiving federal student loan 52.0%
Average amount $5,619
51.0%
Average amount $5,820
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $17,351
2.0%
Average amount $11,138

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 47,696
Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
4,507
Men 37.7% Women 62.3%
Graduate students 47,013
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
5,823
Men 34.2% Women 65.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 76.0% N/A
International students 0.7% 1.8%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 8,222 1,005
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
  • Business
  • Education
  • Legal Profession
  • Theology
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 21:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 62.1% 62.0%
Dropout rate 30.2% 14.0%
Transferred out 5.6% 21.0%
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
Human Resources Management and Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,507
  • Year 2: $83,768
  • Year 3: $80,065
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $70,549
  • Year 2: $63,997
  • Year 3: $72,051
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $53,995
  • Year 2: $64,493
  • Year 3: $65,533
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $55,021
  • Year 2: $45,500
  • Year 3: $59,443
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,995
  • Year 2: $50,640
  • Year 3: $58,242
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $51,972
  • Year 3: $57,515
Communication and Media Studies (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,348
  • Year 2: $50,856
  • Year 3: $51,827
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $35,573
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $50,374
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,508
  • Year 2: $50,677
  • Year 3: $49,965
Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,232
  • Year 2: $48,667
  • Year 3: $49,936

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Liberty University and Regent University?

    Liberty University is a larger, more comprehensive institution with a wider range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees in various fields. Regent University, while also offering a variety of programs, has a stronger emphasis on graduate-level education, particularly in areas like law, business, and divinity. Liberty's online presence is also significantly larger and more established.

  • How do Liberty University and Regent University compare in terms of their religious affiliation?

    Both Liberty University and Regent University are Christian institutions. Liberty University is non-denominational Evangelical Christian, appealing to a broad range of Christian students. Regent University is interdenominational, attracting students from various Christian denominations and emphasizing a more charismatic or Pentecostal theological perspective.

  • Which university is larger, Liberty or Regent?

    Liberty University is significantly larger than Regent University, both in terms of student population and campus size. Liberty boasts tens of thousands of students, including a substantial online student body, while Regent has a smaller, more focused student population.

  • What types of academic programs are offered at Liberty University and Regent University?

    Liberty University offers a broad spectrum of programs, from aviation and engineering to nursing and cinematic arts, alongside traditional liberal arts disciplines. Regent University specializes in graduate programs such as law, business, divinity, communication & the arts, and education, but also offers a range of undergraduate programs. Both universities offer online degree programs.

  • How do the campus environments differ between Liberty University and Regent University?

    Liberty University has a vibrant, bustling campus with a wide array of student activities, NCAA Division I athletics, and a strong emphasis on student life. Regent University offers a more intimate and academically focused campus environment, with a greater emphasis on graduate studies and a more serene atmosphere. Regent's campus architecture is also distinctive, featuring Georgian-style buildings.

  • What is the cost of attendance at Liberty University versus Regent University?

    Tuition costs can vary depending on the program and level of study. Generally, Liberty University's undergraduate tuition is competitive, and they offer various financial aid options. Regent University's tuition is also competitive, and they provide scholarships and financial aid opportunities. It's best to check each university's website for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information.

  • What are the admission requirements for Liberty University and Regent University?

    Both Liberty University and Regent University require applicants to submit transcripts, standardized test scores (though test-optional policies may apply), letters of recommendation, and personal essays. Regent University may place a greater emphasis on the applicant's statement of faith and alignment with the university's mission, particularly for graduate programs.

  • How do Liberty University and Regent University approach online education?

    Liberty University has a very large and well-established online education program, offering a wide range of degrees and certificates. Regent University also offers online programs, but their online presence is smaller and more focused on specific graduate-level disciplines. Both universities provide flexible online learning options for students.

  • What kind of student would thrive at Liberty University versus Regent University?

    A student who desires a large, dynamic campus environment with a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, including NCAA Division I athletics, might thrive at Liberty University. A student seeking a smaller, more academically focused environment with a strong emphasis on graduate studies and a close-knit Christian community might find Regent University a better fit.

  • Do Liberty University and Regent University offer athletic programs?

    Yes, both universities offer athletic programs. Liberty University has a comprehensive NCAA Division I athletic program with a wide variety of sports. Regent University offers a smaller range of athletic programs, primarily at the club and intramural levels.

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