Liberty University offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities to help make a quality, Christian education affordable for online students. We will consider the various scholarship programs available, eligibility requirements, award amounts, application processes, and deadlines. By the end, you will have an in-depth understanding of how to finance your online degree at Liberty University.
Overview of Liberty University
Founded in 1971 by evangelical leader Jerry Falwell, Liberty University is the largest private, nonprofit university in the United States. It has a beautiful residential campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, and extensive online programs for distance learners worldwide.
Liberty University’s mission is “Training Champions for Christ” by providing excellent educational opportunities founded on biblical principles and focused on spiritual, academic, and professional growth. There are over 15 academic colleges offering 100+ programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate levels.
Online programs mirror residential academics with the flexibility of remote learning. Courses are delivered non-simultaneously through the Canvas learning management system with video lectures, interactive media, and direct engagement with professors and fellow students. Technical support is available seven days a week to ensure a smooth online experience.
Enrollment has grown tremendously over the years, now exceeding 100,000 students between residential and distance offerings. Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, education specialist, and doctoral degrees.
General Scholarship Eligibility and Application Process
Most Liberty University scholarships are open to both new and returning online students at the undergraduate or graduate levels. Unless otherwise specified, requirements typically include:
- Enrollment in Liberty University’s online programs
- At least half-time student status (usually six credits per semester)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (varies by scholarship)
- Completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Submission of a general online scholarship application by priority deadline
The general online scholarship application is submitted through the Liberty University website and requires basic biographical information as well as short-answer essay questions highlighting faith, academic goals, leadership potential, and financial need. No separate application fee is required.
Applications are accepted year-round for ongoing and rolling scholarship awards, but early submission by priority deadlines increases the chances of maximizing funding opportunities. Scholarship recipients are selected based on demonstrated qualifications and a balanced consideration of academic merit and financial need.
Award amounts vary significantly depending on the specific scholarship but generally range between $1,000-$5,000 annually. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of continuous undergraduate enrollment as long as renewal criteria, such as GPA minimums, continue to be met each semester.
The Liberty University Financial Aid Office manages all aspects of the application, selection, and disbursement processes according to established policies and procedures. Their main role is connecting students to resources that make educational costs more affordable through a combination of funding, merit-based scholarships and need-based grants/loans.
Prominent Online Scholarship Programs
Now we will examine some of the key online scholarship programs Liberty University offers to distance learners. Be sure to research all eligibility details for your specific situation.
Academic Scholarships
These major scholarships reward exemplary academic achievements and qualifications:
- Academic Excellence Scholarship: $3,000/$4,000 annually for a 3.75-4.0 GPA. Undergraduate online only.
- Chancellor’s Scholarship: Full tuition for a 3.75+ GPA. On-campus students only. An equivalent online award is the Academic Excellence Scholarship.
- Dean’s Scholarship: $2,500/$3,500 annually for a 3.5-3.74 GPA. Undergraduate online only.
- Alumni Legacy Scholarship: $1,000 for online students with a parent or grandparent who graduated from Liberty.
All academic scholarships are automatically awarded and renewed based solely on GPA. No separate application is required.
Discipleship Scholarships
These assist online students in actively serving Christ and their communities:
- Global Outreach Scholarship: $2,500-$5,000 for involvement in approved Christian ministry/missions. Preference is given to undergraduates.
- Spiritual Leadership Scholarship: $1,500-$3,000 for leadership roles in church, parachurch, or faith-based organizations.
- Military and Veteran Scholarship: $3,500 annually for online students currently serving or who formerly served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Discipleship scholarships require an additional application outlining faith commitment and service activities for review by a selection committee.
Access and Diversity Scholarships
Liberty strives to open doors through the following targeted awards:
- Promise Program Scholarship: Waives application fee and provides $500 awards for low-income, first generation college students.
- Single Parent Student Award: $1,000-$3,000 per year for single parents pursuing an online degree. Additional grants may supplement.
- Women’s Leadership Award: $2,000-$5,000 annually for future female leaders in business, ministry, or public service roles.
Many access and diversity programs that best portray financial need and potential through supplemental essays are awarded to candidates.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
There are thousands of outside scholarships also available each year from foundations, nonprofit organizations, employers, and more. Consider exploring these additional potential funding sources:
Major or Field of Study Scholarships
Do online research targeted to your future career path like:
- Nursing Scholarships
- Education scholarships
- Business leadership awards
Look for awards specifically from professional associations, hospitals, schools, and companies in your intended industry.
Demographic or Cultural Scholarships
Consider unique scholarships if you belong to groups like:
- Hispanic/Latino student scholarships
- African American achievement programs
- Scholarships for student parents
- Scholarships for people with disabilities
Faith-Based or Church Scholarships
Check with your place of worship for any local opportunities:
- Baptist student aid programs
- Evangelical scholarships
- Catholic education grants
Also, research denomination-specific scholarships nationwide.
State or Local Scholarships
Investigate if your state or city offers any relevant awards:
- State vocational rehabilitation grants
- Municipal education assistance funds
These can also honor achievements, provide cost-of-living support or encourage place-bound learners.
Research outside scholarships methodically by setting up online scholarship search alerts and application deadlines on a calendar. Seek recommendation letters from relevant referees to strengthen candidacy. With diligence, additional funding can supplement internal Liberty aid significantly.
Financing Options if Ineligible for Scholarships
Not every student will qualify for or receive scholarships, so there are alternative options to finance your Liberty University education:
Federal Student Aid Programs
If you have financial need according to your FAFSA, you may receive:
- Pell Grants: Up to $6,895 for the 2023-2024 award year. No repayment is required.
- Direct Loans: Subsidized and unsubsidized student loans with competitive interest rates. Repayment begins after graduation.
Liberty participates in all Title IV federal student aid for eligible online and on-campus students. Award amounts vary based on FAFSA data and cost of attendance.
Institutional Loan Programs
If ineligible for federal loans, Liberty offers alternative loans to fill any funding gaps:
- Liberty Loan: 5.75% interest rate with deferred repayment while enrolled. $1,000-$4,000 per semester.
- Refund Anticipation Loan: Borrow against anticipated refund instead of waiting for disbursement. High-interest rates, so use it carefully and repay promptly.
Part-Time Job Opportunities
Liberty works with employers seeking flexible workers to earn spending money or potentially save tuition costs through an employer tuition reimbursement program during your studies.
For example, undergraduate students can join Service Operations team roles on-campus, like food service, library assistants, customer service, etc.
These are last-resort options if you are ineligible for merit aid, need-based aid, or tax credits/deductions. Carefully budget repayment obligations alongside your student responsibilities.
Maintaining Scholarship Eligibility
To renew academic and discipleship awards each year, you must fulfill any GPA renewal requirements per the terms of the individual scholarship. Generally, this means:
- Maintaining at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Earning no grades below a C in any courses
- Continuing service or leadership activities
- Being in good standing with Student Financial Services
- Remaining continuously enrolled for your intended degree
Liberty conducts reviews every spring semester to verify that renewal criteria are met. Those who fall below standards risk scholarship probation or cancellation the following year. Proactively monitor your grades through official transcripts to avoid this scenario.
Communicate any mitigating circumstances promptly by scheduling an appointment with your admissions counselor or academic advisor. They may provide helpful guidance on ensuring ongoing funding success. With diligence and commitment to academic excellence, Liberty scholarships can significantly reduce overall education costs.
