Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Quick Facts
“"Knowledge Aflame"”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Liberty University
Liberty University: Igniting 'Knowledge Aflame' as one of the world's largest Christian universities.
Liberty University, nestled in Lynchburg, Virginia, stands as a prominent private evangelical Christian institution, renowned as one of the largest Christian universities globally and a leading private non-profit by total student enrollment. Founded on conservative principles by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns in 1971, the university is committed to its motto, "Knowledge Aflame," and an educational experience rooted in faith, offering a distinctive academic and spiritual journey for its diverse student body.
From its origins as Lynchburg Baptist College, the institution evolved, rebranding as Liberty Baptist College and then Liberty University, a name chosen to reflect its founders' vision of freedom and American heritage. A pivotal moment in its history was the launch of its distance-learning program in 1985, which laid the groundwork for its expansive online presence today. Despite facing financial challenges in its early decades, Liberty has experienced remarkable growth, driven significantly by its online offerings and a strategic expansion that solidified its financial standing.
Academically, Liberty University boasts 17 colleges, providing an extensive array of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs across various disciplines. Notable professional schools, such as the Helms School of Government and the Rawlings School of Divinity, offer specialized education, preparing students for leadership in diverse fields. The university is accredited by SACS and its law school by the ABA, ensuring recognized standards of quality for its degrees.
Life at Liberty is shaped by its "Liberty Way" honor code, which upholds conservative Christian values, and a curriculum that includes mandatory evangelical biblical studies for undergraduates. With a vibrant campus complemented by a vast online community, students engage in NCAA Division I athletics as the Liberty Flames, fostering spirit and competition. The university's commitment to offering tuition fees among the lowest in the U.S. makes a faith-based education accessible to nearly 100,000 students, fostering a unique and engaging learning environment.
Key Highlights
- ✦One of the world's largest Christian universities, with 96,709 students (Fall 2022).
- ✦Offers an extensive array of degrees across 17 colleges, including 46 bachelor's, 67 master's, and 14 doctoral degrees in Business alone.
- ✦Features a robust online program serving approximately 80,000 students, building on its pioneering distance learning initiatives.
- ✦NCAA Division I athletics, with teams known as the Liberty Flames, joining Conference USA in 2023.
- ✦Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and its School of Law by the American Bar Association (ABA).
- ✦Boasts an endowment of $2.1 billion (2022), reflecting significant financial growth.
- ✦Its 'Liberty Way' honor code emphasizes conservative Christian values and conduct.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
9 notable schools within Liberty University
Helms School of Government
Named after Senator Jesse Helms, it offers degrees in criminal justice, government, public administration, international relations, pre-law, public policy, strategic intelligence, and fire administration at both bachelor's and master's levels.
Rawlings School of Divinity
Formed in 2015, it offers 44 bachelor's, 44 master's, and 14 doctoral degrees, including Liberty Theological Seminary, the nation's largest seminary by enrollment.
School of Aeronautics
Offers 11 bachelor's degrees from professional pilot to UAS, preparing students for careers in aviation and working with major airlines to address pilot shortages.
School of Behavioral Sciences
Comprises four departments: Community Care & Counseling, Counselor Education & Family Studies, Psychology, and Social Work, offering a wide range of degrees from associate to doctoral levels.
School of Business
Accredited by ACBSP, it offers 46 bachelor's, 67 master's, and 14 doctoral degrees, covering a comprehensive array of business disciplines.
School of Education
Enrolled 4,441 students as of 2022, providing programs for aspiring educators.
School of Engineering
ABET-accredited, offering degrees in computer, civil, electrical, industrial & systems, and mechanical engineering, with resources dedicated to projects like 'Simulating Genesis'.
School of Law
Accredited by the American Bar Association since 2010, it boasts a strong employment rate for graduates and is ranked among top law schools.
School of Music
Offers 32 bachelor's, 15 master's, and four doctoral degrees, and features a comprehensive band program including The Spirit of the Mountain marching band.
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