Liberty University vs Howard Payne 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 Howard Payne University come out about even on financial return. Liberty University scores 28/100 and Howard Payne University scores 27/100 - 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, Howard Payne University runs $23,627 a year against $29,357 at Liberty University - $5,730 more a year, or about $22,920 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Howard Payne University graduates earn a median $48,376 against $44,813 at Liberty University. The cost earns itself back in 26.2 years at Liberty University and 17.5 years at Howard Payne University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Liberty University owing a median $24,500 versus $26,793 at Howard Payne University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.68 and 0.79 - 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 | Howard Payne University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $22,465 | $34,982 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,465 | $34,982 |
| Net Price (avg) | $29,357 | $23,627 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $117,428 | $94,508 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,800 | $34,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $48,376 |
| Graduation Rate | 65.3% | 28.0% |
| Payback Period | 26.2 yr | 17.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $26,793 |
| Monthly Payment | $260 | $284 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.68 | 0.79 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 61.2% | 77.9% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 44.7% | 61.1% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.0% | 67.4% |
| Enrollment | 50,012 | 713 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Liberty University | Howard Payne Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $30,667 | $24,043 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $27,807 | $21,423 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $27,347 | $25,917 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,142 | $23,412 |
| $110,001+ | $30,545 | $24,182 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Liberty University | Howard Payne Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,269 | $54,795 |
| Teacher Education | $40,952 | $35,357 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Liberty University | Howard Payne Univers... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 27 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 20 | 31 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 32 | 16 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 69 | 9 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 19 | 64 |
| Overall ROI Score | 28 | 27 |
The Verdict
It's close. Liberty University edges out Howard Payne University by 1 points (28 vs 27), 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
Howard Payne 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.