Navigating Financial Aid at Liberty University: A Comprehensive Guide

Financing a college education is a significant undertaking, and Liberty University is committed to providing students with a variety of options to help fund their online degree. The university aims to reduce the confusion and stress associated with paying for education by offering guidance and support throughout the financial aid process. This guide provides a detailed overview of the financial aid resources and processes available at Liberty University.

Support and Guidance for Students

Liberty University understands that a college degree is a significant undertaking, and students don't have to navigate it alone. Several offices are dedicated to helping students succeed throughout their academic journey. Planning how to pay for college can be challenging, and Liberty University is here to help guide students through the financial aid process and provide assistance with their student accounts.

Academic Advising

Liberty's Academic Advising department is committed to students' continued success. Academic advisors deliver the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding academic and university programs, policies, and procedures to online college degree and certificate program students.

Admissions Counselors

Admissions counselors explain how a nonprofit university, whose online programs are widely recognized for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility, will put that same drive for excellence to work for students and their education. These counselors are ready to listen to students' needs and help them choose the online college degree or certificate program that will fit them best.

Financial Check-In (FCI) Process

Liberty University's Financial Check-In (FCI) process is required for all students to complete each semester to secure their course registration, remit payment, confirm personal information, request book vouchers, and view important policy information. Financial Check-In must be completed, even if a student does not have a balance.

Read also: Liberty University Fees

Funding Options

Liberty University offers various funding options to help students finance their education.

Federal Student Loans

All federal loans are processed through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Lending Program. Subsidized Student Loans are need-based, meaning eligibility is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). PLUS loans are credit-based.

Private/Alternative Loans

Liberty University does not recommend specific student loan lenders, nor does it have a preferred lender list or preferred lender arrangement. Students may borrow from any lender that offers educational student loans. Some private/alternative lenders will only approve loans for a period of 365 days or less. Liberty University’s standard academic year spans more than 365 days. Because of this length of time, when a student borrows an alternative loan that spans the full academic year, Liberty University will split the loan between the fall and spring terms. Similarly, the College of Osteopathic Medicine’s academic year also spans over 365 days.

Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Liberty University assists students in utilizing their Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to fund their education.

International Student Funding

There are student loan opportunities for international borrowers. International students at Liberty should also view the information and scholarship opportunities listed at Liberty.edu/International. Canadian students who are considering attending Liberty University can review Canadian Student Loan options.

Read also: History of Liberty's Flames

Key Steps for Loan Borrowers

Master Promissory Note (MPN): If you have an MPN completed from another school, you will not have to complete it again as long as within the first year of signing the E-MPN, you had a loan disbursed.
Entrance Counseling: The Entrance Counseling is an informative online session for first-time loan borrowers. Parents or Graduate borrowers will need to complete these requirements at StudentAid.gov.
PLUS Loan Application: Choose the type of loan you plan to apply for (Parent PLUS or Grad PLUS) and complete the application.
Endorser Addendum: Find an endorser for the loan and complete an official endorser addendum.
Co-signer: co-signer during the application process.

Federal Student Aid (FSA) Eligibility After Default

Federal regulations prohibit the awarding of additional federal student aid (FSA) to students who have defaulted on a federal student loan. However, eligibility can be regained under certain conditions:

Satisfactory Repayment Arrangements: You can regain eligibility on an FSA loan in default after making six consecutive, full, on-time, voluntary payments under a repayment arrangement that is satisfactory to the loan holder.
Loan Rehabilitation: Although you can regain eligibility for all FSA funds by making satisfactory repayment arrangements, the loan is still in default. After a default status has been resolved, sufficient documentation must be sent to the school indicating that you have regained federal aid eligibility. Per federal regulations, the documentation must be from the entity that reported the default to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

Consumer Information

Liberty University, as permitted by federal regulation [34 CFR 668.41], electronically disseminates consumer information, including the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act information. Upon request, the institution will provide a free paper copy. Anyone signing or processing financial aid forms or seeking information or assistance at Liberty University must read, understand, and comply with the requirements disclosed, which are available 24 hours a day at www.Liberty.edu/ConsumerInfo. View consumer information regarding student loans.

Future Changes to Federal Student Loan Programs

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and includes significant changes to the federal student loan programs, most of which become effective on July 1, 2026. You can review all changes by clicking the button below.

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