Liberty University Online Cost Review 2026: Is It Worth It?
Liberty University charges $390/credit for undergraduate online programs, but two factors make it more competitive than the rate suggests: a 10-year tuition freeze and free electronic course materials included for all undergrad students.
Important: Faith-Based Institution - Know Before You Enroll
Liberty University is a Christian university founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. All undergraduate students - including online students - are required to complete biblical worldview courses as part of their degree requirements. This is not optional.
These courses typically include Bible Study, Christian Life and Service, and similar faith-based coursework. If you are not comfortable with evangelical Christian course content as part of your degree requirements, Liberty University is not the right fit for you - regardless of the price.
The 10-Year Tuition Freeze
Liberty University's online undergraduate tuition has been frozen at $390/credit since 2016 - over a decade with no increases. During the same period, average university tuition in the US increased by approximately 25-30%.
This freeze is genuinely impressive and rare. It means students who start a 4-year program today know exactly what they will pay in year 4. No tuition escalation risk.
Free Electronic Course Materials
Liberty University provides free electronic textbooks and course materials to all undergraduate online students. This saves approximately $500-$1,500 per year compared to schools where students purchase their own textbooks.
Over a 4-year degree, this represents $2,000-$6,000 in savings that don't appear in the per-credit comparison. When calculating true total cost, factor this in.
Programme Breadth: 700+ Degrees
Liberty University offers over 700 degree programs online - more than WGU (~60) and SNHU (200+) combined. This includes highly specific programs in areas like:
Honest Pros
- +10-year tuition freeze (no future price risk)
- +Free electronic course materials for all undergrads
- +700+ programs (broadest selection of any affordable online school)
- +SACSCOC regional accreditation (strong, widely recognized)
- +Military-friendly: major GI Bill recipient
- +Block rate option ($2,850/semester for 7-15 credits) benefits full-time students
- +ACBSP business, CCNE nursing, CAEP education accreditations
Honest Cons
- -Required biblical worldview courses (not optional, even for non-religious students)
- -$390/credit is not the cheapest option (WGU, UF Online, Fayetteville State are cheaper)
- -Some employers unfamiliar or biased against faith-based institutions
- -Academic culture may not suit secular or non-Christian students
- -Business is ACBSP, not AACSB (matters for some graduate programs)