Liberty University vs Asbury University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Good news if you're stuck between them: Liberty University and Asbury University come out about even on financial return. Liberty University scores 28/100 and Asbury University scores 29/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Asbury University runs $21,401 a year against $29,357 at Liberty University - $7,956 more a year, or about $31,824 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Liberty University graduates earn a median $44,813 against $42,368 at Asbury University. The cost earns itself back in 26.2 years at Liberty University and 30.6 years at Asbury University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Asbury University owing a median $24,028 versus $24,500 at Liberty University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.68 and 0.82 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Liberty University | Asbury University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $22,465 | $33,640 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,465 | $33,640 |
| Net Price (avg) | $29,357 | $21,401 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $117,428 | $85,604 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,800 | $29,300 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $42,368 |
| Graduation Rate | 65.3% | 65.0% |
| Payback Period | 26.2 yr | 30.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $24,028 |
| Monthly Payment | $260 | $255 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.68 | 0.82 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 61.2% | 78.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 44.7% | 75.8% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.0% | 63.4% |
| Enrollment | 50,012 | 1,420 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Liberty University | Asbury University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $30,667 | $18,455 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $27,807 | $18,280 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $27,347 | $18,724 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,142 | $21,296 |
| $110,001+ | $30,545 | $25,958 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Liberty University | Asbury University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,269 | $67,117 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $50,891 | $46,016 |
| Teacher Education | $40,952 | $40,890 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Liberty University | Asbury University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 16 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 20 | 17 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 32 | 13 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 69 | 69 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 19 | 66 |
| Overall ROI Score | 28 | 29 |
The Verdict
It's close. Asbury University edges out Liberty University by 1 points (29 vs 28), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
Want to personalize these numbers?
The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Liberty University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Asbury University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.