Liberty University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Paying for college at a private school like Liberty can feel overwhelming, but there are real ways families bring the price down. From Virginia’s state grant to Liberty’s own automatic awards, parents have more options than you might expect. This guide breaks down scholarships and aid step by step—so you know what’s available before your student applies. Be sure to also check our Virginia state aid guide for programs that can stack with Liberty’s scholarships.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Liberty University
Liberty is a private university, so tuition is the same for all residential undergraduates (no in-state/out-of-state difference). Figures below reflect Liberty’s 2025–2026 published tuition/fees and official COA allowances. Housing and meal costs vary by hall and dining plan.
| Expense | All Students (Private) | Notes / Ranges |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (12–18 credits, flat) | $24,650 | Private rate (same for all) |
| Mandatory Fees | $1,210 | Activity $870 + Health $340 |
| Housing (On Campus) | $4,900–$9,300 | Varies by hall; COA uses official allowance |
| Meals (Dining Plan) | $5,400–$6,030 | Varies by plan; COA uses official allowance |
| Books & Supplies | $1,152 | Official COA allowance |
| Transportation | $2,428 | Official COA allowance (on-campus) |
| Personal/Misc. | $1,542 | Official COA allowance |
| Total (Before Aid) | $41,282–$46,312 | Range reflects housing/meal choice; midpoint ≈ $43,797 |
Average Net Price: $29,552 per year (latest NCES). That’s what families actually paid on average after scholarships and grants — loans not included.
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG): Virginia residents at private colleges like Liberty can receive $5,250 per year if they submit the short VTAG form. Simple example using the midpoint total (~$43,797): $43,797 − $5,250 = $38,547 before any Liberty scholarships.
Who qualifies for VTAG? Full-time Virginia residents in eligible degree programs at participating private institutions.
How much is it worth? $5,250 per year (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 submit it on time.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Academic Scholarship | $1,750 – Full Tuition | Unweighted GPA, with bonus for ACT/SAT/CLT scores | No | Yes – must maintain satisfactory academic progress | ~3.0–3.49 GPA = lower tiers; ~3.5–3.89 GPA = mid-level awards; ~3.9+ GPA with 1350+ SAT / 29+ ACT or strong CLT can reach full tuition* |
| Early Deposit Award | Up to $2,000 (fall) Up to $1,000 (spring) |
Submit enrollment deposit by priority dates | No | No – first year only | Students who commit early by deposit deadlines |
| Champion Award | $8,000 over 4 years (Yr1 $1,000; Yr2 $2,000; Yr3 $2,250; Yr4 $2,750) |
Based on financial need (FAFSA required) | No | Yes – must maintain eligibility | Students with demonstrated financial need who also qualify for merit aid |
| Middle America Scholarship | Over $6,000 per year | Family incomes typically $35k–$95k; FAFSA required | No | Yes – if eligibility is maintained | Middle-income families; stacks with Academic Scholarship within overall aid caps |
*GPA/test bands shown are estimates based on Liberty’s published award ranges and bonus rules; actual cutoffs vary by applicant pool.
Note: Liberty also participates in the National Merit Scholarship program, with separate full-tuition or full-ride awards handled through the Honors Scholars Program.
Do I need to apply separately for these? No. Automatic scholarships like the Liberty Academic Scholarship are awarded through the admissions process. The Early Deposit Award is tied to when you submit your enrollment deposit.
Does Liberty superscore test results? Yes. Liberty will superscore ACT, SAT, and CLT for scholarship consideration, which can help boost award levels.
Can you stack these scholarships? Yes, but stacking is limited by Liberty’s General Scholarship Rule (GSR). For example, you can’t stack a full-tuition award with another major tuition discount, but smaller awards like Early Deposit may combine with merit aid.
Do test scores still matter if Liberty is test-optional? Yes. While admission is test-optional, strong ACT/SAT/CLT scores can increase your Academic Scholarship award through the Test Score Bonus.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
These awards require extra steps and are limited in number. They’re not automatic—you’ll submit documentation and may need verification. We’ve excluded Honors and departmental awards here; those appear in their own sections.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship | Full Tuition | Unweighted 3.50 GPA and 1350+ SAT (ERW+M) or 29+ ACT; verified class rank of #1 or #2 by school administrator | Yes — apply via Liberty SFS scholarship process (upload verification) | Yes — subject to University scholarship rules (GSR) and satisfactory progress | True valedictorians/salutatorians who also meet the test score threshold; strong academics with official rank verification |
Is there an interview or essay? Not typically; the key requirement is official verification of class rank plus meeting the GPA/test threshold.
Can this stack with other scholarships? Full-tuition awards generally do not stack with other major tuition discounts under Liberty’s General Scholarship Rule; smaller awards may be reduced or removed.
Are there posted deadlines? Liberty processes competitive scholarships through its Student Financial Services (SFS). Deadlines can vary by year—submit materials early after admission to avoid missing a window.
What documents are needed? Expect an official letter or form from your high school administrator confirming valedictorian/salutatorian status, plus test score reports if required.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ 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? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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; must apply and be 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 and submit strong essays and recommendations |
| National Merit Finalist Scholarship | Full tuition, room, and board | National Merit Finalist admitted to Honors Scholars Program | Yes — must submit National Merit certificate to Honors | Yes — maintain Honors requirements | Finalists who document their National Merit status and apply to Honors |
| National Merit Semifinalist Scholarship | Full tuition | National Merit Semifinalist admitted to Honors Scholars Program | Yes — must submit National Merit certificate to Honors | Yes — maintain Honors requirements | Semifinalists with strong academics who apply to Honors |
| National Merit Commended Student Scholarship | Full tuition | National Merit Commended Student admitted to Honors Scholars Program | Yes — must submit National Merit certificate to Honors | Yes — maintain Honors requirements | Commended students who complete the Honors application process |
*Eligibility criteria and award amounts are based on Liberty’s published Honors Scholars and National Merit guidelines. Renewal requires maintaining a 3.50 GPA and active Honors participation.
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA? No. Admission requires a separate application with essays and review by the Honors College; decisions are competitive.
Does Honors add extra time to my degree? No. Most Honors courses replace general education requirements, and the thesis is built into the four-year plan.
When should students apply? Priority deadlines are Nov 1, Dec 1, and Feb 1. The final deadline is March 1, but applying early improves your chances.
Does Honors come with extra funding? Yes. While competitive, Honors students can access exclusive research and travel funding to support their academic projects.
📎 Official Links
📌 Final Thoughts
For many families, the sticker price at a private university like Liberty can feel out of reach. But with state grants like VTAG, automatic merit awards, and specialized programs such as ROTC or marching band, the real cost is often far lower than it first appears. If your student is aiming high academically, the Honors Scholars Program and National Merit track can be game changers. Take time to run the numbers, apply early, and lean on every option Liberty provides—you might be surprised how affordable it becomes.
✅ Last updated: September 16, 2025