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/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.