Ibrahim Gardner
Liberty University offers financial aid to its students in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. The university provides institutional scholarships, both need-based and merit-based, to help students pay for their education. Students can also apply for federal grants, work-study programs, and loans by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The university strives to educate students about financial aid and discourage over-borrowing through various initiatives, such as scholarship search sessions and webinars. Additionally, Liberty University offers state grants and processes them for eligible students. The university's tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has remained unchanged for nine years, making it an affordable option for many students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of Financial Aid | Institutional scholarships, grants, loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Parent PLUS loans, Federal Student Loans, Federal Work-Study |
| Eligibility Requirements | Need-based, merit-based, full-time enrollment, minimum GPA requirements, submission of FAFSA, completion of verification, degree-seeking |
| Average Amounts | Undergraduate student-borrowers during the 2023-2024 academic year borrowed an average of $15,612 through federal and private loan programs, excluding Federal Parent PLUS loans |
| Application Process | Submission of FAFSA, completion of verification, submission of additional documentation, maintaining academic progress |
| Available Resources | Student Financial Services Office, Student Accounts information, Annual Borrowing Notification letter, Scholarship Search sessions, webinars, anti-fraud and anti-identity theft programs |
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Scholarships
Liberty University offers a wide range of scholarships to its students, both need-based and merit-based. The university believes in providing equal opportunities for higher education and strives to keep the costs of private education affordable. In fact, 95% of Liberty students receive some form of financial aid. Here are some of the scholarships available:
- Liberty Academic Scholarship: Students can receive awards ranging from $1,750 up to a full scholarship, with an average award of $3,300 per year.
- Transfer Student Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is for transfer students and offers awards ranging from $1,750 up to a full scholarship.
- Valedictorian/Salutatorian Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship offers full tuition for valedictorians and salutatorians. It is only available during the Fall and Spring semesters, and applicants must submit their applications electronically.
- Honors Program Scholarship: Students in the Honors Program can receive $4,000 per year. To be eligible, students must have an SAT score of 1270 (for tests taken prior to March 2016) or a 3.5 unweighted GPA or higher if transferring less than 60 hours.
- Middle America Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for students from families with an annual income between $35,000 and $95,000. Recipients can receive up to $6,395 per year, and the award can be locked in for up to four years.
- Alumni Legacy Award: Students whose parent or guardian earned a degree from Liberty University may be eligible for up to $1,000 per year.
- Field-Specific Scholarships: Specific colleges and schools within Liberty University, such as the School of Aeronautics and the School of Music, offer field-specific scholarships. Additionally, music teams and competition teams like the Worship Collective and the Debate Team also provide scholarship opportunities.
- Local/Regional Christian School Scholarship: This scholarship is for students who have graduated from an approved local private Christian school after attending for at least four years. The award amount varies and is combined with other Liberty scholarships to total 50% of the student's tuition charge.
- Ministry Leaders Scholarship: This scholarship is for residential students who are training to become ministry leaders in local churches or parachurch organizations. Award amounts vary and can cover up to full tuition and housing.
In addition to these scholarships, Liberty University also provides financial aid through grants and loans. Students are encouraged to explore all their options and create a personalised financial plan to fund their education.
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Federal grants
Liberty University offers its students various financial aid opportunities, including federal grants. To be eligible for federal grants, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. Federal grants are a form of financial aid that students do not need to repay.
The Federal Pell Grant is one such grant available to Liberty University students. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant awarded to a student depends on their cost of attendance, enrollment, and need analysis information provided on the FAFSA Submission Summary. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Federal Pell Grant awards range from $740 to $7,395. Students who use their entire Federal Pell Grant in the fall and spring terms may be eligible for an additional 50% of Pell Grant aid in the summer, known as the Year-Round Pell. To receive this additional aid, students must enroll at least half-time in the eligible term and meet all other eligibility requirements in the semester of the additional award.
Another federal grant available to Liberty University students is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). The amount of the FSEOG is need-based and determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI) on the FAFSA. To be eligible for the FSEOG, students must also borrow a full Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loan and have a qualifying federally calculated 9-month SAI in the entry year.
Additionally, Liberty University students may be eligible for the Federal TEACH Grant. This grant requires recipients to fulfill post-graduation teaching requirements; otherwise, it becomes a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan.
The availability of these federal grants for Liberty University students demonstrates the university's commitment to providing financial support to its students and ensuring their access to higher education.
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Loans
Liberty University offers a range of financial aid opportunities for its students, including loans. Students are advised to borrow only what they need to prevent future debt.
Types of Loans
There are several types of loans available to Liberty University students. The university encourages students to borrow from the Federal Direct Student Loan Program before considering private educational loans, as interest rates and repayment requirements can vary.
Federal Direct Student Loans
Federal Direct Student Loans are available to eligible students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal loan eligibility is determined by several factors, including the FAFSA, cost of attendance, and previous borrowing history. Students must complete a FAFSA annually prior to being eligible for any federal or institutional aid.
Subsidized Student Loans
Subsidized Student Loans are need-based, meaning eligibility is determined by the FAFSA. Liberty University encourages students to utilize any subsidized loan eligibility before considering unsubsidized loans.
PLUS Loans
PLUS loans are credit-based. There are two types of PLUS loans available: Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS. The parent is the borrower of a Parent PLUS loan and will need to complete the application with their information. Liberty University will not process a credit decision on any Federal PLUS loans and will only accept the official credit decision offered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Private Student Loans
Students interested in applying for a private student loan may compare a list of available lenders. However, Liberty University does not recommend specific student loan lenders or have a preferred lender list. Students may borrow from any lender that offers educational student loans.
Applying for Loans
Students applying for loans must first create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. They must then submit a FAFSA for the applicable academic year and complete the Federal Direct Student Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) at StudentAid.gov. The MPN is a legally binding contract between the lender and borrower that outlines the terms and conditions of the loan, including repayment.
Loan Disbursement
The first disbursement for each sub-term is made 21 days after a student is actively attending half-time or has completed 6 credit hours. Borrowers who wish to reduce or cancel a loan disbursement must complete the electronic Federal Student Loan Change Form available in ASIST.
Loan Repayment
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Satisfactory Academic Progress
Liberty University offers a wide range of institutional scholarships, both need-based and merit-based, to help students pay for school. The university also offers federal grants and loans, with undergraduate student borrowers taking out an average of $15,612 in federal and private loans during the 2023-2024 academic year. Federal Pell Grant awards for the 2024-2025 academic year range from $740 to $7,395, with amounts based on cost of attendance, enrollment, and need analysis information provided on the FAFSA Submission Summary.
To continue receiving institutional or federal student aid, Liberty University students must maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP requirements are in addition to and operate separately from the Academic Satisfactory Progress requirements for each academic program. Students can find information about Liberty University's SAP policy on the Appeal and Complaint Policies webpage. Students struggling academically can also access resources to help them, with a decision on any Financial Aid SAP appeal form to be communicated within one week.
Students who default on a student loan or have an unresolved federal grant or loan overpayment may not be eligible for certain types of aid. For example, Continuing Education (CE) and Dependent Grant in Aid (DGIA) are not available to students with an unresolved defaulted loan in their loan history. CE and DGIA recipients must also adhere to the Financial Aid SAP policy.
Liberty University also offers the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) for eligible students. To receive VTAG, students must submit an application to the Financial Aid Office before the annual deadline of September 15.
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Federal Work-Study
Liberty University offers Federal Work-Study (FWS), a federally funded program that awards up to $5,000 per academic year (fall/spring) based on need as determined by the FAFSA. The program provides part-time on and off-campus jobs for qualifying undergraduate resident students and can be requested by graduate and online students.
To be eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program, students must:
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with Liberty University added in the School Selection section.
- Complete any federal aid reviews, if selected (e.g., FAFSA verification).
- Not have declined the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program on the FAFSA.
- Receive a Financial Aid Offer with Federal Work-Study listed.
Students who qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program are not guaranteed a job. They are required to secure employment by applying for a Federal Work-Study position on the Human Resources website. The jobs are usually near where a resident student lives, and the hours are flexible with regard to a student's classes. Students are paid every two weeks and are strongly urged to enroll in direct deposit.
Studies have shown that students who work no more than 20 hours a week are more engaged in campus activities, have higher grade point averages, and manage their time more effectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Liberty University students receive financial aid. The university offers a wide variety of institutional scholarships, both need-based and merit-based, to help students pay for school.
The first step in applying for financial aid at Liberty University is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available each year and uses already-filed tax data to determine aid eligibility. Once Liberty receives the FAFSA, eligibility will be assessed.
Liberty University offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The university also provides state grants and federal grants, as well as institutional aid.
