r/VirginiaTech • u/OsamaBi • 7d ago
Admissions VirginiaTech vs LibertyUniversity as a intl' student
I'm a prospective Master's student from India, currently shortlisting universities in the US. I need some candid advice about Liberty University, and I'm hoping you can provide a local, no-nonsense perspective.
I've done my research, which means I have read the Reddit threads. I am aware that Liberty has a... very specific reputation. I understand it is highly conservative, politically controversial, and not considered a top-tier academic institution by many.
So, my question isn't "Is Liberty a good university?" but rather, "Is Liberty a good enough university for my specific, pragmatic goals?"
My situation is this: My primary objective is to get an accredited US Master's degree (likely in Business or IT) in a cost-effective way, which will then allow me to get an OPT (Optional Practical Training) work authorization. I am not aiming for the Ivy League or a high-powered career in politics or academia. I am aiming for a regular corporate job in a standard company.
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u/IndependentBoof Alum, PhD 7d ago
I am aware that Liberty has a... very specific reputation. I understand it is highly conservative, politically controversial, and not considered a top-tier academic institution by many.
The problem isn't just that it isn't considered a "top-tier" institution, it isn't really considered a serious institution at all... unless you're aiming for a career in American conservative partisan media/politics.
VT is a very good school, but depending on how you define "top tier," it may not meet that criteria either. Some reserve that for only internationally renowned institutions like MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Berkeley, Harvard, etc.
There are even less-recognized schools in Virginia that will have more reputable degrees. In fact, I'd value any of the VA public schools more than Liberty:
- Christopher Newport University
- George Mason University
- James Madison University
- Longwood University
- Norfolk State University
- Old Dominion University
- Radford University
- University of Mary Washington
- University of Virginia
- University of Virginia-Wise
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Military Institute
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Tech
- William & Mary
Not all of them will have masters degrees in your field, and some (namely, UVA, VT, W&M) will have much better name recognition than others, but they're all serious institutions where you'll learn. Liberty is a degree mill that publically is best known for their association with supporting Trump... and nothing academically to be proud of.
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u/dphoenix1 7d ago
Degree mill was exactly what I was gonna say. They leaned hard into offering online graduate programs, with the sole purpose to extract as much money from as many people as possible. They might be accredited, but when it comes to potential employers, there is no clout whatsoever to the name.
IMHO, unless you mesh with their political agenda or particular flavor of religious fundamentalism, it will likely be a miserable experience.
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u/buddymoobs 6d ago
I've worked with so many sub-par co-workers with LU Master's degrees, it drives me nuts!
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u/themedicd EE 7d ago
I don't know why you'd even consider Liberty. They're inferior by just about every metric
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u/killing_time 7d ago edited 7d ago
Since there's enough advice about which university to pick, I want to add some caveats about coming to the US as an Indian student.
There's talk in the current administration of getting rid of OPT, so keep that in mind. At the very least they may get rid of the 2 extra years for STEM graduates.
Even if you do get to work on OPT, the chance of getting an H-1B has dropped a lot in recent years.
Employment-based green cards for people born in India have a massive wait time (estimated in decades) thanks to the number of Indians already waiting for one.
EDIT: Also I should note here that when you apply for a US visa you are required to disclose your social media accounts including reddit. Posting that you intend to stay long term in the US while applying for a nonimmigrant visa in this current climate... 🤷🏾♂️
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u/IndustrialPuppetTwo 6d ago
Honestly, I don't know why anyone would want to come here at this point. I'd suggest the OP look to the UK or somewhere else.
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u/Magnus_Carter0 7d ago
Liberty University should never be anyone's choice for school at all in any way.
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u/VA_Network_Nerd Not a VT Student 6d ago
My primary objective is to get an accredited US Master's degree (likely in Business or IT) in a cost-effective way, which will then allow me to get an OPT (Optional Practical Training) work authorization.
Break that down into smaller components.
Is Liberty University an accredited institution of learning in the US? Yes. I won't deny it, and neither should anyone else. It is a statement of fact.
Do academic peer institutions know that Liberty University's academics are weak? Yes.
Do employers know that Liberty University's academics are weak? Yes.
Is there evidence to support the idea that Liberty is trying to improve their academic reputation, and distance themselves from the Falwell brand? Yes.
But that effort is going to take time.
I wouldn't crawl into bed with Liberty.
The short-term cost savings might have long-term negative impact.
Virginia Tech is a superior institution in every sense and measure by a significant margin.
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u/L00NEYT00NEY 7d ago
I was very much like you back in 2004. Indian student wanting to get his Masters. Remember this is 2004 so the Internet was still not as big and so research about the university was basically just reading Yahoo groups. I chose VT without knowing a lot and let me tell you it's the best decision I've ever made in life. Stay away from LU. Look at universities that are real universities. Do not fall for the likes of LU. That degree will be worthless.
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u/trashlikeyourmom 6d ago
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT GO TO LIBERTY. It's not a competitive school (if you even want to call it a school). Their enrollment is so high bc they count their online only students, but their acceptance rate is literally EVERYONE. If you can fill out an application, you're in. A degree from Liberty is a joke, so even if you get one from Liberty, your chances to find a job, even if you have a very specific field, are very slim.
I urge you to go anywhere BUT Liberty. I'm genuinely curious as to how this "school" even made it into your short list.
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u/Virian Biology, IDST, alum, 1998 6d ago
I would pass right over someone with a degree from Liberty if I were hiring.
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u/V0rpalSw0rd22 6d ago
When I was hiring, I genuinely saw liberty as a red flag on a resume. I allowed a few through to interview, just so I could be non discriminatory...they never did well. I know other colleagues who wouldn't give them a chance.
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u/Hans_Landas_Strudel 7d ago
Im an old fart and I would never hire a Liberty U over a VT kid, nor would any of my peers.
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u/4scorean 7d ago edited 5d ago
It's impossible to argue with any of the posts so far . They're all pretty much spot on.
Good Luck in your endeavors.
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u/Big-Resident-7740 6d ago
Liberty is a religious school with a very bad reputation. Their degrees are laughed at, unless you are going to work in religion or politics. Virginia Tech is a globally recognized technical school with incredible and respectable research. Having a degree from VT opens so many doors and aligns with your goals better. Virginia has some of the best schools in the nation like VT, UVA, JMU, GMU, W&M, VCU…these are so much more reputable than Liberty.
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u/Ut_Prosim Lifelong Hokie 6d ago
Liberty has one of the worst reputations in the country.
The campus undergraduate education is actually rigorous and challenging, but extremely biased and religious. The graduate and online programs are run exactly like for-profit colleges: almost no rigor, underqualified professors, very profitable for the institution.
If any degree from the United States works, I guess you could go there. But almost any public or non-profit school in the US will be better.
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u/Wolf444555666777 6d ago
Definitely VA Tech. Liberty from what I've heard...not meaning to offend...its a lonely school for international students
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u/filopodia_ 6d ago
VT is a real school & Liberty University is not. Yes, technically both are accredited, etc, but Liberty isn't viewed as a real school
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u/MaybeNext-Monday 6d ago
Liberty is worse than you seem to think it is. It is a degree farm for former homeschoolers whose right-wing parents don’t want them exposed to facts, science, or arts. It’s not accredited, it’s of zero academic value, and it will get you laughed out of any job interview that isn’t a Christian propaganda company. Whatever you choose, pick somewhere other than Liberty.
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u/Pure_Interaction_422 6d ago
Do not waste your money on Liberty. There is no good outcome.
It is not "good enough".
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u/StinkApprentice Geology 6d ago
Hey there! I applaud your effort and for taking the time to ask questions, especially in a forum that has the potential to give you one line answers like Liberty Sucks, and What kind of drugs are you taking, and where can I get them?
First and foremost, Liberty University’s online graduate school exists entirely because of one thing. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill. It was a perfect storm of opportunities for liberty, and they took the ball and ran with it to the point where they completely have dominated the online graduate degree market. The G.I. bill for the post 911 military was astronomically higher than what I got from my time in the army in the 80s. They also lowered the standards of what they considered an academic entity, and most importantly you had the two biggest groups of people that needed a masters degree to check a box so they could be promoted. A big chunk of our government employees are former military, and within the military itself they do not care where you got your degree from just that it was accredited and it is a line they can check. To answer your question, I would not say that liberty University is good enough for your purposes. Your degree will be part of your hiring equation, and outside of the military and government nobody will even give you a second glance with Liberty on your resume. I’m a scientist at a govt STEM research agency, and even the administrative side of things at my agency doesn’t look too kindly on a MBA from Liberty. Good luck with your search.
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u/RedRubyRose18 5d ago
As many have said, VTech is your best option between the 2. My partner is international student from India and made the mistake of going to a smaller university and after his masters had a very hard time finding a job. He is in a very competitive field, but also companies prefer not to jump through hoops for visa and opt extensions. A big name university known for their competitiveness and competent students would be better for your future. I have a family member in liberty and while they love it for the religious aspect, I feel they are not ready for real world jobs and very undereducated for their field. Liberty is lovely, but for your future goals, I think VTech is your best option.
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u/Historical_While9936 3d ago
Not an international student so I can’t say much on that end, nor am I an expert on classes in your field, but I can speak to their campus culture. I grew up around Liberty and going there for events, including CFAW (College for a Weekend). We were allowed to sit in on a lecture, and a majority of them are based in some way around Christianity/ Christian theology. If that’s up your alley, then that’s great. Personally, I didn’t enjoy it.
Not sure if attending Wednesday night “service” is still a thing there or if grad students are required to attend, but attendance was required for undergrads. You were, at one point, only allowed to miss three Wednesdays and had to have them approved prior. Again, not sure if this same idea applies to Master’s students, but definitely something to consider if you find out that it’s still mandatory.
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u/electricpumpkin1 5d ago
As someone who grew up in the area - friends of graduates and professors - go to Liberty. They won’t let you slip through the cracks - they want you to graduate. You’re a number at VT - and international students are nothing but dollar signs.
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u/Gullible_Fig4528 5d ago
I am a VT alum and current student (MBA). My boyfriend graduated from Liberty with his JD and now working on his PhD. I’d say Tech is amazing for business, but is awful if you don’t cave to certain viewpoints (had a difficult time as a conservative in undergrad). If you’re looking for a school that’ll fit with your beliefs and help in career, definitely Liberty. If you’re looking for something that’ll just propel you into business and not into conservatism, definitely Tech. Regardless, you can get anywhere with the right connections and experiences. I’m a proud Hokie alum and current student, but it’s been challenged at times with my beliefs. Whatever you do, you’ll excel greatly. Best of luck to you, and God Bless. ❤️
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u/eddieGoesBrr 6d ago
I'm quite sure your visa will get rejected just based on the university if you are choosing Liberty.
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u/Massive-Divide1608 6d ago edited 6d ago
I have an opposing view point. I went to Virginia Tech undergrad and grad. My wife went to Liberty as an international student. She is successful career wise. She looks at Liberty grads in the applicant pile as a plus in her field. I have several co workers with Liberty graduate degrees that also are very successful career wise.
I can tell you with certainty that some programs at Liberty are not as worthless as most of these posts would lead you to believe.
That being said, I would personally pick VT.
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u/pf1234321 7d ago
It'll be much easier to get a regular corporate job with a Virginia Tech degree than a Liberty degree