Liberty University's 5-Year Plan Boosts Student Success

Liberty University is betting big on student success as it welcomes nearly 16,000 residential students this fall, potentially the largest incoming class in its history.

President Dondi Costin rolled out an ambitious five-year plan guided by a simple acronym: GRACE. Each letter represents a pillar of the university's commitment to students.

The "G" stands for graduation and student success, ensuring every student who wants to graduate has the support to do so. "R" focuses on retention, keeping students engaged from freshman to sophomore year and beyond.

"A" represents academic enrollment growth, while "C" emphasizes maintaining a Christian culture on campus. The "E" stands for endowment, ensuring the university invests wisely in its future.

The Lynchburg, Virginia campus is growing fast to keep pace with demand. Liberty opened a new dormitory this year and plans to convert the old Reber-Thomas Dining Hall into an engineering building within the next few years.

A new Champion Center will open in months, featuring interactive exhibits that tell Liberty's story and inspire students. With 9,500 students living on campus, the university has carefully planned infrastructure to handle about 1,000 more residential students.

Campus safety remains a top priority, with over 1,000 cameras and dozens of police officers ensuring students can focus on their studies. The university has also worked closely with the city of Lynchburg to manage traffic and infrastructure challenges as enrollment grows.

The Ripple Effect

Liberty's growth extends far beyond its Lynchburg campus. The university's online program hit a record 130,500 students in July 2026, bringing quality education to learners worldwide.

Liberty University Online Academy now serves over 20,850 K-12 students, providing Christian education to families across the country. Combined, Liberty's total enrollment across all programs is expected to surpass 167,000 students this year.

President Costin's advice for incoming freshmen? Do your homework. It's simple wisdom that reflects the university's commitment to practical support alongside big vision.