May 6, 2020: By Liberty University News Service
As a pioneer in online education, Liberty University continues to lead the way for online students across the country and around the world and has now surpassed 100,000 students enrolled in its online programs.
“Liberty has been a leader in providing distance education as an alternative to the traditional classroom since the mid-1980s,” said Liberty President Jerry Falwell. “Achieving this enrollment target today shows that our programs remain an attractive option for working adults who need the flexibility, convenience and affordability that our online programs offer. It also shows that students value a Christian education that will help them thrive in their careers and in life. “
Graduates of Liberty University’s online programs participate in Commencement 2019 on the Liberty campus. This year’s launch has been postponed to September 11-12.
Liberty’s distance learning program began in 1985 as Liberty University School of Lifelong Learning, just 14 years after the school was established. Through correspondence lessons with VHS tapes mailed in, students were able to work while attending school for the first time. The Internet boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s allowed Liberty to offer Christian college programs exclusively online.
Now Liberty offers 450 online academic programs, from undergraduate to doctoral level, training students in in-demand fields such as nursing, business, computer engineering, and more, all with the same standards of academic excellence as Liberty residential programs.
Liberty has worked hard to provide Christ-centered education to as many students as possible. Special benefits are available for serving members and spouses, veterans, first responders, and small business owners. Liberty also accepts business tuition assistance.
Even when studying from home and military bases around the world, online students are connected to the physical Liberty campus in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains through multiple online resources.
“Freedom is a very special place,” said Shawn D. Akers, Online Marshal. “We have worked diligently to make high-quality, biblically sound education accessible at all levels, from undergraduate to doctorate, and not just to mainstream students, but also to busy professionals, military personnel and so many others. looking for a university that would help them achieve their educational goals. We are touched and grateful that today more than 100,000 students find Liberty’s vibrant online programs the best for their lives.
Liberty’s previous online registration record exceeded 98,000 in 2014.
While many other online colleges have raised tuition fees, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. Tuition fees for all undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs have not increased in five years. The scholarships and loans available, as well as the scholarships and flexible payment plans specifically designed for online students, help students achieve their educational goals for less.
“God has certainly blessed our efforts,” said Ron Kennedy, executive vice president for registration management and marketing. “I remember being in this role in 2005 when we were thrilled to enroll 9,000 students online. We made it our mission to meet people’s needs – giving them affordable tuition so that as many people as possible can benefit from a Christ-centered education. It was a privilege to renew this goal when I returned to this role three years ago, and today our vision for the future is the same as in 2005: to help as many people as possible receive an education. centered on Christ. For Liberty, surpassing 100,000 students is a tremendous accomplishment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the talented team that God has gathered around me.
Liberty University was ranked # 2 Best Online College in America by Niche.com. Learn more about Liberty.edu/Online.
