JCU vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

Compare John Carroll University in University Heights, OH with Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Liberty University is larger than JCU based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 2,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• John Carroll University is located in University Heights, OH (Large Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• John Carroll University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: John Carroll University 13:1; Liberty University 18:1.

JCU vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCU or Liberty University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Liberty University than JCU ($29,532 vs. $30,030).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 4.7% lower than at John Carroll University ($13,835 vs. $14,520).
• John Carroll University is 124.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $28,035 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124.8% higher at JCU than at Liberty University (about $28,035 more per year; $50,500.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at John Carroll University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by John Carroll University students is 186.5% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($35,785 vs. $12,489).

JCU vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCU or Liberty University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Liberty University and JCU.

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at John Carroll University (1260) is 110 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming JCU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Liberty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 1180/1330; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: John Carroll University 25/32; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCU - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman JCU students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than JCU (80.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.9% at JCU vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

JCU vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCU and Liberty University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• John Carroll University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from John Carroll University earn a median of about $18,500 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Liberty University graduates have a $2,773 lower median loan debt than JCU graduates ($24,166 vs. $26,939).
• Among borrowers, Liberty University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCU graduates ($249 vs. $278).
• More JCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.