Liberty University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic and competitive academic scholarships
- Specialty programs like Liberty Honors and Mission awards
- How to stack institutional, need-based, and faith-based aid
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~99% (Liberty is test-flexible)
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1020–1250
- Average HS GPA: 3.5
Source: Liberty University Common Data Set 2024–25. Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Liberty University at a Glance
Last verified: October 2025
Liberty University, one of the nation’s largest private Christian institutions, awards generous merit scholarships automatically at admission—no separate application required. Students with strong GPAs and leadership backgrounds can also compete for the Liberty Champion Scholarship, a full-ride program that includes tuition, housing, meals, and an annual stipend.
Use this guide to map out Liberty’s automatic awards, competitive honors programs, and stacking opportunities through faith-based, academic, and need-based funding.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Liberty is test-optional and considers GPA, coursework, and leadership activities for admission and merit scholarships.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT 19–27; SAT 1020–1250 (Liberty CDS 2024–25).
What’s the average net price? $29,552 (IPEDS 2024).
Does this school offer reciprocity or nonresident waivers? No — Liberty is a private university; tuition rates apply equally to all students regardless of residency.
https://www.liberty.edu/financial-aid/
https://www.liberty.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.liberty.edu/honors/
https://www.liberty.edu/admissions/requirements/
https://www.liberty.edu/admissions/tuition-fees/
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/institution-profile/232557
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?232557-Liberty-University=
💰 Cost of Attendance at Liberty University
Liberty is a private Christian university, so tuition is the same for all students—there’s no in-state or out-of-state difference. Figures below reflect 2025–2026 on-campus undergraduate costs billed directly by the university.
| Expense (Annual, Full-Time) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees | $25,860 | $25,860 |
| Housing & Meals (standard plan) | $12,800 | $12,800 |
| Total (billed directly to Liberty) | $38,660 | $38,660 |
Note: The table above shows only costs billed directly to Liberty University (tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meal plan). Additional estimated expenses — Books & Supplies (~$1,152), Transportation (~$2,428), and Personal/Miscellaneous (~$1,542) — are not included because they are not paid directly to the college and vary by student lifestyle and travel distance.
Example: A Virginia student paying $38,660 in direct costs could reduce that to about $33,410 per year before any Liberty scholarships.
Who qualifies for VTAG?
Full-time Virginia residents pursuing eligible degree programs at participating private institutions.
How much is it worth?
$5,250 per year for 2025–26, renewable while you remain eligible.
Do you have to apply?
Yes — complete the VTAG application. Liberty’s Student Financial Services can help you file it by the deadline.
https://www.liberty.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees/
https://www.liberty.edu/student-financial-services/financial-aid/estimated-costs/
https://www.liberty.edu/residential/life-on-campus/housing/
https://www.liberty.edu/residential/dining/
https://www.liberty.edu/student-financial-services/virginia-tuition-assistance-grant/
https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/institution-profile/232557
https://schev.edu/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/tuition-assistance-grant
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship Tier 1 | $1,750/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.0–3.19 | No | Yes — maintains SAP, full time | Majority of 3.0–3.19 admits | Rolling |
| Academic Scholarship Tier 2 | $3,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.2–3.49 | No | Yes — maintains SAP, full time | GPA in range, some test bonus may increase tier | Rolling |
| Academic Scholarship Tier 3 | $5,250/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.5–3.69 | No | Yes — maintains SAP, full time | GPA in tier, higher SAT/ACT/CLT can boost you into the next tier | Rolling |
| Academic Scholarship Tier 4 | $7,500/yr | Unweighted GPA 3.7–3.89 | No | Yes — maintains SAP, full time | GPA in tier, SAT 1350+/ACT 29+/CLT 93+ and above for max award | Rolling |
| Academic Scholarship Tier 5 (Full Tuition) | Full Tuition | Unweighted GPA ≥3.9 AND 1350+ SAT, 29+ ACT, or 93+ CLT |
No | Yes — maintains SAP, full time | Highest academic admits meeting GPA & test cutoff | Rolling |
| Virginia Scholarship | $1,500/year | Legal Virginia residency for tuition purposes | No | Yes | All incoming VA residents who complete residency documentation | Rolling |
| Virginia High Achiever Award | $800/year (stacks with VA Scholarship) | VA residents, unweighted GPA ≥3.4, live on campus first year | No | Yes | VA residents with 3.4+ GPA and on-campus living | Rolling |
| Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship | $1,000/year (up to 4 years) | Transfer: Active PTK membership, 3.5+ GPA, direct transfer | No | Yes | Transfers with 3.5+ from PTK chapter, transferring directly | Rolling |
| CVCC (Central Virginia Community College) Scholarship | $5,000/year (up to 4 years) | Transfer from CVCC with earned associate degree | No | Yes | All qualifying CVCC degree transfers | Rolling |
| Lynchburg Beacon of Hope (“Stay Close, Go Far”) | $7,000/year (up to 4 years) | Graduate of Lynchburg City Schools, FAFSA required | No | Yes | Eligible high school grads meeting program requirements | Rolling |
| Word of Life Scholarship | Varies | Transfer from Word of Life Bible Institute, GPA ≥2.7 | No | Yes | All eligible Word of Life transfers | Rolling |
| Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant | $1,000–$2,000/year | VA residents, associate degree from VA 2-year college, transfer into Liberty | No (automatic with state eligibility) | Yes | Eligible in-state transfer students meeting state grant rules | July 1 (state) |
*Tiers and requirements reflect Liberty’s official Academic Scholarship charts and 2025 policies. Test score bonus can increase award up one tier in most cases.
https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/scholarships/
https://www.liberty.edu/residential/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards require extra steps and are limited in number. They’re not automatic—you’ll submit documentation and may need verification. Honors and departmental awards appear in their own sections.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship | Full Tuition | Unweighted 3.50 GPA and 1350+ SAT (ERW+M) or 29+ ACT; official class rank as #1 or #2 submitted by administrator | Yes — upload verification form via Liberty portal | Yes — subject to satisfactory progress and GSR | Valedictorian or salutatorian students meeting both class rank and test score/GPA eligibility | April 1 (application form) |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Full Tuition or Full Ride | National Merit Finalist; must designate Liberty as first choice and join the Honors Scholars Program | Yes — submit National Merit documentation + Honors application | Yes — maintain Honors/Progress | Students who meet all National Merit requirements and join Liberty Honors | June 1 (priority for Finalist status; confirm through NMSC & Liberty) |
Verification Required: Both major scholarships require validated documentation from schools or National Merit Corp. Late or incomplete forms may result in loss of eligibility.
Stacking: These full-tuition/ride awards generally cannot be stacked with other large institutional merit scholarships due to Liberty’s General Scholarship Rule.
Other Competitive Awards: Most other major Liberty scholarships live in the automatic section or within Honors/departmental cohorts.
https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/scholarships/
https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/valedictorian-salutatorian/
https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/national-merit/
https://www.liberty.edu/residential/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/
🎖️ Honors College
Liberty’s Honors Scholars program is the university’s selective track for high-achieving students. It’s designed for motivated learners who want smaller seminars, faculty mentorship, and a thesis experience—without adding extra years to the degree. Admission is competitive, so applying early makes a real difference.
What a Typical Liberty Honors Student Looks Like: High school GPA of 3.5 or higher, strong test scores (SAT 1330+ or ACT 28+), AP/dual credit or honors courses, leadership in school or community, and a readiness to complete a capstone thesis.
Why Honors Matters: Priority registration, small discussion-based seminars, faculty mentorship, dedicated Honors housing, research opportunities, and funding support for projects or conferences.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Scholars Program Scholarship | $4,000 per year (up to $16,000 over 4 years) | Incoming freshmen with ≥3.50 GPA and 1330+ SAT (ERW+M) or 28+ ACT; admitted to Honors Scholars Program | Yes — Honors Scholars application with essay and 2 recommendations | Yes — maintain ≥3.50 GPA and Honors standing | High-achieving freshmen who apply early with strong application | Nov 1 / Dec 1 / Feb 1 / Mar 1 |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Full tuition, room, and board | National Merit Finalist admitted to Honors Scholars Program | Yes — submit National Merit certificate with Honors app | Yes — maintain Honors requirements | Finalists who document National Merit status & apply to Honors | Mar 1 (best by Feb 1 for housing) |
| National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship | Full tuition | National Merit Semifinalist admitted to Honors Scholars Program | Yes — submit National Merit certificate with Honors app | Yes — maintain Honors requirements | Semifinalists with strong academics who apply to Honors | Mar 1 |
| National Merit Commended Student Scholarship | Full tuition | National Merit Commended Student admitted to Honors Scholars Program | Yes — submit National Merit certificate with Honors app | Yes — maintain Honors requirements | Commended students who complete the Honors app and process | Mar 1 |
*Eligibility and deadlines are based on Liberty’s latest Honors Scholars and National Merit guidelines for 2025–26. Honors admits can apply in multiple review rounds—earlier boosts odds for scholarships and housing.
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA? No. Admission requires a separate application with essays and recommendations; all awards are competitive.
Do I need to apply by all deadlines? No, but earlier applications are reviewed first and increase scholarship chances.
Do these add extra time? No—Honors classes replace standard gen eds and the thesis is built into the plan of study.
Can Honors cover full tuition? For National Merit (Finalist, Semifinalist, Commended), yes. Honors Scholars standard award is $4,000/yr for four years with maintenance of GPA and program participation.
https://www.liberty.edu/honors/
https://www.liberty.edu/honors/application/
https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/scholarships/
https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/national-merit/
https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/honors-scholars/
⭐ College Specialty
Liberty isn’t just the nation’s largest private residential university—it’s also built niche programs that parents should know about. From its nationally recognized aviation training to cybersecurity designations backed by the federal government, Liberty has carved out academic areas where students leave with career-ready credentials.
Aeronautics: Liberty’s School of Aeronautics is one of the largest faith-based aviation programs in the country. It’s FAA Part 141–approved, has a fleet of training aircraft, and holds agreements with regional airlines that speed up pilot hiring.
- Cybersecurity: Designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense through 2028–29 by the NSA and DHS, a distinction that signals rigorous training and employer recognition.
- Nursing: Liberty’s School of Nursing reports strong NCLEX pass rates and is one of Virginia’s largest BSN providers, giving graduates a solid pipeline into healthcare jobs.
- Business & Accounting: Liberty’s School of Business is one of the largest among private universities, with accreditation from ACBSP and recognition in statewide CPA pass-rate reports.