Liberty University Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Virginia aid & Grants
Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~99%
- Middle 50% ACT: 23
- Middle 50% SAT: 1135
- Average GPA: 3.5
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Liberty University at a Glance
- The biggest scholarships (like the Liberty Champion Scholarship) are highly competitive — most students will NOT receive them, even with strong grades.
- Top merit and honors opportunities often require earlier deadlines (around mid-December), even though general admission is rolling.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Liberty University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 23; SAT: 1135.
Average net price? About $29,552/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Liberty University scholarship page: https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/scholarships/
Liberty National Merit and Honors information: https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/national-merit/
Liberty Heroes Fund Scholarship page: https://www.liberty.edu/military-affairs/heroes-fund-scholarship/
Liberty Honors Scholars financial aid page: https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/honors-scholars/
Liberty band scholarship page: https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/band-scholarships/
Liberty School of Education TEAA page: https://www.liberty.edu/education/teacher-education-access-scholarship/
Liberty Valedictorian/Salutatorian scholarship page: https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/valedictorian-salutatorian/
Liberty VTAG information page: https://www.liberty.edu/studentfinancialservices/vtag/
Liberty Alumni Legacy Award page: https://www.liberty.edu/alumni/alumni-legacy-award/
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Liberty University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $25,860 | $25,860 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $12,800 | $12,800 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $38,660 | $38,660 |
Average Federal Net Price: $29,552 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
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, 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 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. 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.