Many liberals would probably be surprised to learn that a Christian university is leading the way on the future of higher education.

The Liberty University News Service reports.

Liberty University hits 100,000 enrolled, ranks among nation’s top 5 online educators

Liberty University has surpassed 100,000 in total enrollment, another milestone for the 42-year-old university as it continues to extend its influence as the seventh largest university in the nation and the world’s largest Christian university. Liberty remains the largest private, nonprofit four-year college in the country and the largest college in Virginia.

Chancellor and President Jerry Falwell, Jr. predicted at last year’s Commencement that Liberty would enroll 100,000 students within one year. He announced at Liberty’s 40th Commencement on May 11 that the goal was reached on May 7.

Recent enrollment data also shows Liberty University Online has risen to No. 5 among the nation’s largest online educators, moving up two slots from a year ago. Liberty Online, the only private, nonprofit institution on the list, also marked the second-highest growth rate over the past year (23 percent). With 90,000 online students, Liberty remains the nation’s largest private, nonprofit online educator.

Liberty celebrated its largest graduating class to date this year, with more than 15,000 graduates, 80 percent of whom studied with Liberty University Online. As a pioneer in distance education, Liberty Online gives those who would otherwise be unable to do so the chance to earn a college degree. With 166 unique programs of study, Liberty Online is innovative and distinctly Christian.