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Head to head · Virginia

Liberty University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Which of these costs less depends on what you earn. At $75–110k and below, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the cheaper of the two; from over $110k up, Liberty University is. Sticker price shows none of this.

What each actually costs, by household income

Household incomeLiberty UniversityVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityDifference
Under $30k$30,667$11,689$18,978 · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
$30–48k$27,807$11,670$16,137 · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
$48–75k$27,347$17,894$9,453 · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
$75–110k$27,142$25,835$1,307 · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Over $110k$30,545$34,201$3,656 · Liberty University

Green marks the cheaper of the two at that income. "Net price" is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education — not a calculator's estimate. Public-school figures reflect in-state families; out-of-state families typically pay more.

Four years, at $75–110k

Liberty University$114,404
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University$108,895
Difference over four years$5,509

Each year's reported net price grown 3.5% — the same method College Compass uses inside a family's plan.

Getting in

Published acceptance rate99% · 55%
Average SAT— · 1364

Listed Liberty University first, then Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Acceptance rate is the school's overall published figure — your student's own odds depend on their transcript, scores, and high school.

After graduation — federal data

Median earnings, 10 yrs out$44,813 · $81,698
Graduate in four years55% · 69%
Typical graduate's own federal debt$24,500 · $21,500

Again Liberty University first. The four-year graduation rate matters more than it looks: a fifth year is a fifth year of paying.

These are averages. Your family isn't average.
College Compass runs both schools against your student's real GPA, your income band, and your actual high school — admit odds with the math shown, merit likelihood, and what four years would really cost you. First three schools free.

Compare them for your student →

Go deeper on either school

Liberty University — every income band · Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — every income band · All Virginia public colleges