Anonymous wrote:It's a Jesus Freak School whose graduates typically go to work in Jesus Freak industries.

or for Bob McDonnell.

Read Kevin Roose's book about his year there first:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Unlikely-Disciple-Semester-University/dp/B003UYV1VA

If I had a resume with Liberty and one with Wheaton come across my desk at the same time, my first response would be more favorable to the Wheaton grad. I've met very smart, capable people who didn't go to great schools, so I wouldn't outright reject someone from Liberty, but it certainly wouldn't be a point in a job candidate's favor.

Can't say I've heard of Wheaton before.

If you are interested in sending your child to an ultra-religious conservative school Liberty fits the bill but you should not pretend it is anything different from what it is. Do some graduates go on to successful careers, of course they do, but on average, which is what you are looking at, it is a very niche school and that niche is not strong academics but very conservative religious views.

I would say that, if you exclude Catholic schools, many of which are excellent, three schools with National reputations are Baylor, Pepperdine and Wheaton (the one in IL).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am AA and my cousin went there. He and his parents are definitely "Jesus Freaks". He didn't finish there. He graduated from the University of MD after it was all said and done. I hire a lot of people and would not hire someone from Liberty. I recently interviewed someone who said his son was there. He didn't say it in my interview. He said it during the second round. I hired him, but only because I found out afterward. I have a total bias.

+1 I probably wouldn't hire someone that graduated from Liberty.

Ditto. And I'd question someone's judgement if they sent their kid there. At least if the parents were paying. If my kid wants to go to Liberty, I'll take that as a sign that I've failed as a parent and he can figure out how to fund it. (wow, that came out in my dad's voice -- freaky)

I think you can be a devout christian without the nonsense that school seems to epitomize.

Here's a full list of Christian colleges in the country.

http://www.topchristiancolleges.org/lists-by-state.html

Anonymous wrote:I am AA and my cousin went there. He and his parents are definitely "Jesus Freaks". He didn't finish there. He graduated from the University of MD after it was all said and done. I hire a lot of people and would not hire someone from Liberty. I recently interviewed someone who said his son was there. He didn't say it in my interview. He said it during the second round. I hired him, but only because I found out afterward. I have a total bias.

+1 I probably wouldn't hire someone that graduated from Liberty.

It's an embarrassment to Virginia

I am AA and my cousin went there. He and his parents are definitely "Jesus Freaks". He didn't finish there. He graduated from the University of MD after it was all said and done. I hire a lot of people and would not hire someone from Liberty. I recently interviewed someone who said his son was there. He didn't say it in my interview. He said it during the second round. I hired him, but only because I found out afterward. I have a total bias.

I've always been impressed with the Mennonite approach to both service and education. I think that some of the Mennonite schools might be a good fit for a student who has deep faith but is also liberal thinking. I say this without a lot of specific experience.

I'd suggest Grove City College which is a legit school with a heavy Christian student body.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have had a lot of family friends go there and all have very successful and rewarding careers. One is a CEO of a national company, one teaches, etc. Yes, of course, it is very conservative and religious. I would check it out for yourself and not rely on this site - you are always going to get the "jesus freak" responders. How educated are they if that is the language they use?

Me? I have a master's degree and am a practicing Methodist.

It's a Jesus Freak school. That's a stigma.

+1

Stats here are being intermingled with their online programs. Many universities have extensive online offerings, and this school has a very large one, which helps them financially. The 4 year 18- 22 year old student campus stats are what you want to look at...also average SAT scores, graduation rates, etc.

And yes, it is a VERY conservative school, and the rigor is not the same as in other universities. Their educational goals differ from their religious goals- the religious goals are the primary reasons students attend the school. The online program is a different story. These are folks who need a class in this or that, a certification, whatever. They are not the typical Liberty U student.

Regardless of one's religious beliefs, I sincerely feel that if this is what one prefers, then choose this. However, the Liberty University graduate will be profiled in ways that other candidates for mainstream jobs will not be for the rest of their life. Why would someone want to limit their occupational options for a lifetime- these graduates are basically wearing a sign indicating their religious and political beliefs- well after they may choose to continue these constructs in belief in later life. College is suppose to OPEN intellectual and career doors- not limit them. I am a firm believer that the college years should increase one's understanding of the world, challenge basic beliefs, and encourage critical thinking. Think wisely about this choice.