University of Liberia | Tuition Fees and Courses
General Information
Overview
The University of Liberia (UL) is the oldest and one of the most significant public higher education institutions in Liberia. Its origins date back to 1862 when it was established as Liberia College, and it was chartered as a full university in 1951. UL plays a vital role in national development, serving as a hub for education, research, and public service.
With multiple campuses—including Capitol Hill, Fendall, a medical campus, and a technical-vocational college—it provides broad geographic access to students from across Liberia. The university offers a broad range of programs across its colleges and professional schools, preparing students for service in government, business, education, health, law, and the sciences. UL aims to empower future leaders and professionals through a rigorous curriculum, research opportunities, and community engagement, all framed within a mission to foster academic excellence, integrity, and societal transformation.
Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 9020, Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia
Phone Number: Not publicly centralized, but typical inquiries go through enrollment services or main administrative offices
Email Address: info@ul.edu.lr (general)
School Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded / Established | 1862 (as Liberia College) |
| Type | Public University |
| Motto | Lux ex tenebris (Light out of Darkness) |
| Campuses | Capitol Hill, Fendall, Medical Campus, Starz‑Sinje Technical/Vocational |
| Student Population | Approximately 18,753 (as of 2019) |
| Core Components | 6 Colleges, 3 professional schools, 3 graduate programs |
University of Liberia Rankings
| Ranking Type | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| National (Liberia) | Premier national public university with broad program offerings and legacy status |
| Global | Limited presence in global ranking systems; recognized regionally and historically rather than for global research dominance |
University of Liberia Academics
University of Liberia Faculties / Departments
UL is structured into multiple colleges and schools that cover a wide array of disciplines:
- Liberia College (Social Sciences & Humanities)
- A. Romeo Horton College of Business & Public Administration
- T. J. R. Faulkner College of Science & Technology
- William V. S. Tubman Teachers College
- William R. Tolbert Jr. College of Agriculture & Forestry
- Straz‑Sinje Technical & Vocational Middle College
- Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law
- A. M. Dogliotti College of Medicine
- School of Pharmacy
- Graduate School (including international relations, education, regional science)
- Several research institutes (e.g., Confucius Institute, Conflict Transformation, Population Studies)
University of Liberia Courses and Programs / Majors
UL offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including but not limited to:
- Bachelor of Arts in English & Literature, Political Science, Sociology/Anthropology, History, Geography, Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Wood Science & Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture & Forestry, General Agriculture, Agronomy
- Bachelor of Education (Primary & Secondary)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting, Management, Public Administration)
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) via Grimes School of Law
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) / MPA, MSc in Education Administration, International Relations, Public Health
- Doctoral Programs (PhD in Public Health, Microbiology, Epidemiology, etc.)
Online Learning
While the University of Liberia primarily delivers traditional in-person instruction, it has made recent moves toward digital engagement, including e‑portals for students and staff, and limited remote/online components for administrative and academic functions. Online coursework is not widely publicized for all programs, but students benefit from digital resources, virtual learning tools, and study‑support platforms.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Notes |
|---|---|
| High School / Secondary Exams | Applicants need a recognized certificate (e.g., WAEC/WASSCE or equivalent) for undergraduate admission |
| University Entrance Exam | UL administers its own Entrance & Placement Exam for undergraduate admission |
| GRE or Equivalent | May be required for some graduate programs, depending on field and college |
Retention and Graduation Rates
The University of Liberia faces both opportunities and challenges in student retention and graduation. Given its large student body, resource constraints, and infrastructure, not all students complete their programs on time. However, UL provides academic advising, student support services, and mentorship, particularly in challenging disciplines like law and medicine. Graduation depends heavily on students’ academic performance and ability to balance coursework with personal and financial challenges.
University of Liberia Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
UL evaluates applicants primarily on their secondary school exam performance (such as WAEC/WASSCE or equivalent). There is no universal requirement for SAT or ACT for local applicants, though international students may provide equivalent credentials. The university also uses its own entrance exam to assess readiness for higher education.
University of Liberia Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate / Notes |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Moderately selective — particularly for competitive colleges (e.g., Science & Technology, Law) |
| Graduate | More selective — based on academic records, recommendation, and, in some cases, entrance assessments or interviews |
University of Liberia Application Requirements
To apply, prospective students must submit a completed application form, official secondary school transcripts, proof of certificate (WAEC, WASSCE, or equivalent), and two recent passport‑size photos. International or graduate applicants should provide additional documentation such as proof of prior degrees, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. For professional programs like Medicine or Law, additional selection criteria apply.
Application Process
- Fill out the UL application form (online or paper).
- Submit certified high school transcripts and examination certificates.
- Provide photos and personal identification.
- Sit for the UL Entrance & Placement Exam (for undergraduate admission).
- Await the evaluation and admission decision.
- Upon offer, confirm enrollment, pay fees, and participate in orientation.
University of Liberia Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Admissions | Exam held twice yearly (typically mid-year intake) |
| Graduate Admissions | Varies by program; often aligned with semester intakes |
| Registration / Enrollment | After admission decision, prior to start of academic term |
Essay Prompt
UL does not require a universal essay for all undergraduate admissions. For certain graduate programs, candidates may need to submit a personal statement or statement of purpose explaining their academic goals, leadership aspirations, and potential contribution to the University and Liberia’s development.
University of Liberia Scholarships
UL offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid, including its President’s Honor Society for students with very high GPA, as well as Dean’s Honor Roll and Student Leadership Awards. Financial aid may cover tuition entirely for top performers, and additional bursaries are provided for student-athletes, cultural contributors, and leadership students. Some scholarships fund boarding, books, and modest stipends as well.
University of Liberia Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program / Fee Component | Estimated Cost / Notes |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | LRD 25,000-LRD 50,000 |
| Professional Programs (e.g., Law, Medicine) | LRD 25,000-LRD 50,000 |
| Graduate | LRD 25,000-LRD 50,000 |
| Additional Fees | Registration, library, lab, and student services may be charged separately |
Student Profile and Demographics – University of Liberia
Student Demographics
UL’s student population comprises a mix of young adults (typically undergraduates aged 18–25) and older students in graduate or professional programs. Gender distribution leans male, but female representation is significant in certain colleges. Students come from across Liberia’s regions, contributing to a diverse social and cultural environment.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Many students at UL come from modest economic backgrounds, and the university’s scholarship programs are designed to support those in financial need. While specific statistics on students with disabilities are not broadly publicized, the institution’s mission and public mandate suggest inclusion efforts, and support services are available through student affairs and academic support offices.
Student Body
| Metric | Approximate / Known Value |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~18,753 (as of 2019) |
| Undergraduate Students | Majority of total enrollment |
| Graduate Students | Significant, especially in public administration, education, and international studies |
| International Students | Present but limited; UL primarily serves Liberian and West African community |
University Diversity
The University of Liberia is deeply rooted in Liberia’s national identity and educated diaspora. Its students reflect Liberia’s ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity. Many students are first-generation college-goers, and UL provides a bridge to higher education for young Liberians aspiring to leadership, professional careers, and public service. Through its multiple colleges—ranging from liberal arts and social sciences to law, medicine, and agriculture—UL fosters cross-disciplinary interaction. This diversity contributes to a rich academic culture where students learn from peers in different fields and social contexts. Furthermore, the presence of international programs and institutes adds a global dimension, enabling cultural exchange, research collaboration, and broader worldviews.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the University of Liberia often pursue careers in public administration, education, health services, law, business, and technology. Entry-level earnings vary widely depending on sector: business and public administration graduates may enter government or NGO roles, while medicine and law graduates may take up professional roles in hospitals or legal firms. Many continue to postgraduate education or join international organizations. Over time, UL alumni who remain in Liberia often take leadership positions in both the public and private sectors, leveraging their network, experience, and education to contribute to national development and to secure progressively higher income.
University of Liberia Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The University of Liberia employs a substantial academic and administrative workforce. According to records, UL had 331 faculty members as of 2019. Its staff includes professors, lecturers, researchers, clinical instructors (especially for medicine), and administrative personnel who manage enrollment, student services, libraries, and campus operations. The work of faculty and staff is central to the university’s mission of education, research, and national service.
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at UL come from diverse academic backgrounds. In the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Department of English has long-standing professors, many with master’s and doctoral qualifications, and plays a major role in general education. In the professional schools, such as the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, faculty specialize in Liberian legal education with strong professional and academic credentials. Research-active faculty engage in public policy, conflict transformation, demographic studies, and more, contributing to UL’s status as a vital research and academic institution.
University of Liberia Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
UL operates multiple campuses in and around Monrovia, including Capitol Hill, Fendall, and specialized facilities for medicine and technical training. Student life is vibrant, with academic societies, student government, cultural groups, and service opportunities. While on-campus housing is limited, many students live in nearby dormitories, shared apartments, or in Monrovia’s residential neighborhoods. Student organizations, such as drama, debate, and sports clubs, foster leadership, social engagement, and community building.
Transportation
The primary campuses are located in Monrovia, making them accessible by city transport, including minibuses, taxis, and private vehicles. Students typically commute from different parts of the city or nearby neighborhoods. Within the campuses, walkable layouts and pedestrian paths facilitate movement between academic buildings, administrative offices, libraries, and common spaces. The urban setting also allows students to easily access internship sites, local institutions, and community engagement venues.