Athens State University vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

Compare Athens State University in Athens, AL with Life University in Marietta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Athens State University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (2,986 students vs. 2,714 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Athens State University is located in Athens, AL (Town Fringe setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• Athens State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Athens State University 14:1; Life University 15:1.

Athens State University vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Athens State University or Life University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• In-state tuition differs between Life University and Athens State University ($15,036.00 vs. $0.00).
• Out-of-state tuition differs between Life University and Athens State University ($15,036.00 vs. $0.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life University than at Athens State University (89% vs. 0%).

Athens State University vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Athens State University or Life University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Life University and Athens State University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresLife University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresLife University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Athens State University - Not reported; Life University - Test optional.

Athens State University vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Athens State University and Life University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Life University's six-year graduation rate is 52%. Comparable graduation rate data is not available for Athens State University.
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Athens State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $10,200 lower median loan debt than Athens State University graduates ($8,334 vs. $18,534).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $105 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Athens State University graduates ($86 vs. $191).
• More Athens State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (49% vs. 33%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.