Liberty University vs Belhaven 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 Belhaven University come out about even on financial return. Liberty University scores 28/100 and Belhaven 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, Belhaven University runs $15,676 a year against $29,357 at Liberty University - $13,681 more a year, or about $54,724 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Belhaven University graduates earn a median $46,440 against $44,813 at Liberty University. The cost earns itself back in 26.2 years at Liberty University and 17.7 years at Belhaven University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Liberty University owing a median $24,500 versus $26,333 at Belhaven University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.68 and 0.76 - 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 | Belhaven University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $22,465 | $30,250 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,465 | $30,250 |
| Net Price (avg) | $29,357 | $15,676 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $117,428 | $62,704 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,800 | $34,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $46,440 |
| Graduation Rate | 65.3% | 48.5% |
| Payback Period | 26.2 yr | 17.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $26,333 |
| Monthly Payment | $260 | $279 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.68 | 0.76 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 61.2% | 56.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 44.7% | 55.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.0% | 49.8% |
| Enrollment | 50,012 | 1,471 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Liberty University | Belhaven University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $30,667 | $10,551 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $27,807 | $12,820 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $27,347 | $16,967 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,142 | $19,476 |
| $110,001+ | $30,545 | $20,928 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Liberty University | Belhaven University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $82,883 | $79,098 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,269 | $62,042 |
| Accounting | $63,307 | $60,247 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $58,969 | $51,594 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $51,061 | $48,349 |
| Social Work | $48,003 | $35,263 |
| Social Sciences, General | $41,811 | $33,423 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Liberty University | Belhaven University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 36 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 20 | 30 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 32 | 20 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 69 | 35 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 19 | 14 |
| Overall ROI Score | 28 | 29 |
The Verdict
It's close. Belhaven 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.
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Liberty University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Belhaven 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.