Dr. Dondi Costin, PresidentOne of the world’s largest Christian universities, Liberty University today serves over 15,000 students on its campus and nearly 125,000 online. It offers over 700 degree programs across 15 schools, including the Helms School of Government and the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity.
Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and many programs have field-specific accreditation. Active alumni groups comprise more than 300,000 members worldwide.
“With programs designed from a Christian worldview and professors who are deeply rooted in a relationship with Christ, students will gain a quality education that provides practical tools to carry with them through their careers,” says Dr. Dondi Costin, president.
To honor those who have sacrificed for our country Liberty offers reduced tuition rates for service members, their spouses, and dependents. It is the first university in Virginia designated as a Purple Heart University, and the military community at LU is 40,000 strong.
A Pathfinder Integrating Knowledge, Skills, and Values
The quest for meaning and purpose is more urgent than ever, as the current generation struggles with mental health crises of epidemic proportions. Recognizing this, Liberty provides an environment that fosters spiritual growth and personal development, rooted in the belief that every student can make a difference in the world. Students receive the support and education necessary to fulfill their potential and serve others effectively.
All programs are designed from a Christian worldview, instilling a deep sense of meaning and purpose in students. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are integral to the curriculum, helping students understand who they are and how they can use their gifts.
By keeping its finger on the pulse of industry trends and employer needs, Liberty continuously adjusts and tailors its curriculum. This proactive approach ensures that students are knowledgeable and equipped with the practical skills that are in high demand. Liberty's commitment to this adaptive strategy is evident in the way it structures programs, integrating hands-on experiences like internships and practicum opportunities.
A Solid Christian Foundation
Faith is central to the university’s teaching philosophy. Professors incorporate Scripture into their curriculum and assignments, emphasizing the overlapping importance of spiritual growth and academic success. Whether students study on campus or online, professors are invested in their overall well-being and success, opening up numerous opportunities for spiritual development.
Liberty offers weekly Convocation for students to join on campus or stream live from wherever they are in the world. These gatherings bring in world-renowned speakers who inspire a stronger mission for Christ. Additionally, LU Serve and LU Send offer mission opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad. These teams provide students the chance to go out into the mission field and apply what they learn through their program with their Christian beliefs, sharing the Gospel of Christ with others.
On Wednesday nights, about 6,000 students voluntarily gather for a worship service called Campus Community. Afterward, they return to their dorms to discuss the service in small groups, promoting personal and spiritual growth.
Our mission has always been and will continue to be Training Champions for Christ. How we have done that has looked different over the years, and we’ll continue to adjust to make sure we remain steadfast in our mission.
This vision prepares students to serve in their chosen fields with excellence and honor God by improving the lives of others. It does not teach students what to think; it teaches them how to think critically. It does not instruct them solely to recognize problems; it guides them to become problem solvers. Nursing students are equipped with skills to attend to patients, alongside learning the significance of compassion in their service to patients and their families. Business students grasp the necessity of proficiency in their fields and recognize the importance of upholding integrity in their professional endeavors.
Flexible Online Programs
When Liberty established an accredited distance learning program 35 years ago, it was among the first in the U.S. to do so. Today, its online program is one of the largest in the world.
Online students have access to resources comparable to those available to residential students, including the Jerry Falwell Library, tutoring services, professional writing assistance, and an online community for student engagement. They can also participate in sporting events, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Preparing Students for Workforce Excellence
“Practically, many programs require certain field experiences for students to obtain licensure or certification. We want to give our students the education they deserve, so we keep our standards high,” says Dr. Costin. “Additionally, we recognize that knowledge is essential, but it must be paired with application. We want our students to feel as prepared as possible as they adjust from college life to their professional lives.”
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With programs designed from a Christian worldview and professors who are deeply rooted in a relationship with Christ, students will gain a quality education that provides practical application tools to carry with them through their Career.
Every aspect of the Liberty experience is developed to give students what they need to succeed. Whether initiating a career they love, changing career paths, or expanding influence, at Liberty, they’ll find the resources and support to get them there.
“Our mission has always been and will continue to be Training Champions for Christ. How we have done that has looked different over the years, and we’ll continue to adjust to make sure we remain steadfast in our mission. We’ll adapt to serve students better, but we won’t compromise our core values,” says Dr. Costin.
