Liberty University vs UofP-Arizona

Liberty University and University of Phoenix-Arizona, two distinct institutions of higher learning, offer unique educational experiences to students with diverse backgrounds and aspirations. Liberty University, a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia, boasts a sprawling campus and a strong emphasis on faith-based education. In contrast, University of Phoenix-Arizona, a private for-profit university in Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its flexible online learning format and its focus on career-oriented programs. While both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, they differ significantly in terms of acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which university aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Liberty University logo

Liberty University

University of Phoenix-Arizona logo

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Overview

Location Lynchburg, Virginia Phoenix, Arizona
Campus setting City: Small City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (For Profit)
Calendar system Semester Non Traditional
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 79.0% 39.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation Evangelical

Admission

Acceptance rate 99.3% Open Admission
Application fees
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 Not required
High school GPA Required N/A
Recommendation letters Not required N/A
High school transcript Not required N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required N/A

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $42,620 $19,662
Average net price $27,891 $13,245
Tuition $21,663 $9,552
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,150

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

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

89.0%
Average amount $12,431
80.0%
Average amount $5,510
Students receiving federal student loan 52.0%
Average amount $5,619
82.0%
Average amount $6,956
Students taking out private loans 9.0%
Average amount $17,351
0.0%
Average amount $0

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 47,696
Men 43.0% Women 57.0%
66,901
Men 29.8% Women 70.2%
Graduate students 47,013
Men 38.7% Women 61.3%
18,935
Men 24.8% Women 75.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 76.0% 94.6%
International students 0.7% 0.2%
Campus local/setting City: Small City: Large
Dormitory capacity 8,222 N/A
First year students are required to live on campus? No N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Virginia North Carolina Pennsylvania Texas Florida Texas California Georgia Arizona Florida

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Education
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Psychology
  • Theology
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Education
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 92:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Higher Learning Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 62.1% 13.7%
Dropout rate 30.2% 81.5%
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
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $99,867
  • Year 2: $100,487
  • Year 3: $98,209
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $109,491
  • Year 2: $98,670
  • Year 3: $95,921
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $92,342
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $92,791
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $86,805
  • Year 2: $88,250
  • Year 3: $91,501
Management Information Systems and Services (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $116,669
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $89,487
Educational/Instructional Media Design (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,627
  • Year 2: $70,456
  • Year 3: $77,393
Educational Administration and Supervision (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $67,660
  • Year 3: $74,174
Computer Programming (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas)
  • Year 1: $47,265
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $72,728
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $80,515
  • Year 2: $77,536
  • Year 3: $72,687
Curriculum and Instruction (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,681
  • Year 2: $65,387
  • Year 3: $70,540

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between Liberty University and the University of Phoenix-Arizona?

    Liberty University is a private, non-profit Christian university with a strong emphasis on residential education, offering a traditional campus experience alongside online programs. The University of Phoenix-Arizona, on the other hand, is a private, for-profit institution primarily focused on online education tailored for working adults. Key differences lie in their mission, campus environment, program delivery, and target student population.

  • Which university is better for a traditional campus experience?

    Liberty University is the clear choice for a traditional campus experience. It boasts a large residential campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, with extensive on-campus activities, sports, and student organizations. The University of Phoenix-Arizona primarily operates online, with limited physical locations that mainly serve as administrative offices.

  • Which university is more suitable for working adults seeking online degrees?

    The University of Phoenix-Arizona is generally considered more suitable for working adults seeking online degrees. Its programs are specifically designed with flexible scheduling and accelerated formats to accommodate the needs of busy professionals. While Liberty University also offers online programs, the University of Phoenix's focus is primarily on this student demographic.

  • How do the academic reputations of Liberty University and the University of Phoenix-Arizona compare?

    Liberty University has been growing in academic reputation, particularly within its specific fields of study, and is regionally accredited. The University of Phoenix-Arizona, while also regionally accredited, has faced scrutiny regarding its academic rigor and student outcomes. It's important to research specific programs and consider your individual academic goals when evaluating their reputations.

  • What is the difference in tuition costs between Liberty University and the University of Phoenix-Arizona?

    Tuition costs can vary depending on the specific program and enrollment status. Generally, Liberty University's online tuition can be competitive, and they offer various financial aid options. The University of Phoenix-Arizona's tuition is often perceived as higher, but it's crucial to compare the total cost of attendance, including fees and potential financial aid, for your specific program of interest at both institutions.

  • How does the religious affiliation of Liberty University affect its academic environment?

    Liberty University is a Christian university, and its religious affiliation is integrated into its academic environment. This includes a focus on Christian values, mandatory convocation attendance for residential students, and the integration of faith-based perspectives into coursework. Students should consider whether this aligns with their personal values and academic preferences.

  • What types of programs are each university known for?

    Liberty University is known for its programs in fields such as aviation, theology, law, and government, as well as its growing online offerings. The University of Phoenix-Arizona is known for its career-focused programs in business, healthcare, education, and technology, primarily delivered online.

  • What kind of accreditation do Liberty University and the University of Phoenix-Arizona have?

    Both Liberty University and the University of Phoenix-Arizona are regionally accredited. Regional accreditation is a widely recognized standard of quality in higher education. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the University of Phoenix-Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

  • Which university offers more student support services?

    Liberty University offers a wide range of student support services, including academic advising, career services, counseling, disability services, and tutoring, both on campus and online. The University of Phoenix-Arizona also provides student support services, primarily focused on online learners, such as academic advising, career resources, and technical support.

  • How do the graduation rates of Liberty University and the University of Phoenix-Arizona compare?

    Graduation rates can vary significantly between institutions and programs. Generally, Liberty University's graduation rates are higher than those of the University of Phoenix-Arizona. However, it's important to consider the different student populations and program structures when comparing these rates. Research the graduation rates for specific programs you are interested in at both universities.

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