Appalachian vs. Liberty University: Cost, Bar Passage & Outcomes Compared

Both are Virginia law schools. On the most recent ABA Standard 509 data, Liberty University is the more selective admit (median LSAT 154 vs 146); Liberty University posts the higher first-time bar passage (84.82% vs 63.16%); Appalachian is cheaper on sticker tuition ($41,000 vs $43,150); Liberty University places more graduates in full-time JD jobs (92% vs 65.1%).

Side by side (ABA Standard 509)

MetricAppalachianLiberty UniversityBetter
Admissions
Median LSAT146154Liberty University
Median undergraduate GPA3.203.54Liberty University
Acceptance rate60.9%58.8%Liberty University
Cost
Resident tuition$41,000$43,150Appalachian
Non-resident tuition$41,000$43,150Appalachian
Median grant$10,250$24,000Liberty University
Bar passage
First-time bar passage63.16%84.82%Liberty University
Two-year ultimate bar passage89.47%88.52%Appalachian
Bar passage vs. state average-14 pts+7 ptsLiberty University
Employment
Full-time, long-term JD employment65.1%92%Liberty University
Large-firm (250+) employment0%0%Tie
Federal clerkships0%0%Tie

15-year trajectory

First-time bar passage: 59.51% in 2011 to 63.16% in 202520%40%60%80%111315182022242563.16%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Appalachian — First-time bar passage
First-time bar passage: 71.13% in 2011 to 84.82% in 202560%70%80%90%100%111315182022242584.82%
First-time bar passage · 2011–2025
Liberty University — First-time bar passage
Resident tuition: $29,825 in 2011 to $41,000 in 2025$25,000$30,000$35,000$40,000$45,0001113151719212325$41,000
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Appalachian — Resident tuition
Resident tuition: $30,604 in 2011 to $43,150 in 2025$25,000$30,000$35,000$40,000$45,0001113151719212325$43,150
Resident tuition · 2011–2025
Liberty University — Resident tuition

Full profiles & related

Appalachian full profile · Liberty University full profile · All Virginia law schools

FAQ

Is Appalachian or Liberty University harder to get into?

Liberty University is the tougher admit — its median LSAT is 154 against Appalachian's 146.

Which is cheaper, Appalachian or Liberty University?

Appalachian is cheaper on sticker: resident tuition of $41,000 versus Liberty University's $43,150.

Which has better bar passage, Appalachian or Liberty University?

Liberty University has the higher first-time bar passage, 84.82% against Appalachian's 63.16%.

Which has better job outcomes, Appalachian or Liberty University?

Liberty University places more graduates in full-time, long-term JD jobs (92% vs 65.1%).

Appalachian vs Liberty University: which is better?

It depends on what you weigh — the table above shows where each wins. Across the four headline measures (selectivity, sticker cost, first-time bar passage, and JD employment), Liberty University leads on more of them, but read the row that matters most to you rather than the count.

Source: ABA Standard 509 Required Disclosures, most recent reported cycle. Last updated June 26, 2026.

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