Brenau University vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Brenau University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 2,436 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Brenau University is located in Gainesville, GA (Small City setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• Brenau University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Brenau University 11:1; Life University 15:1.

Brenau University vs. Life University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Brenau University than Life University ($19,743 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Brenau University are 13.5% lower than at Life University ($12,850 vs. $14,850).
• Brenau University is 126.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $18,991 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.3% higher at Brenau University than at Life University (about $18,991 more per year; $34,027.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Brenau University than at Life University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Brenau University students is 133.1% larger than aid received by Life University students ($26,325 vs. $11,292).

Brenau University vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Brenau University or Life University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Life University and Brenau University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Brenau University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming Brenau University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 930/1200; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Brenau University 18/22; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Brenau University - Test optional; Life University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Brenau University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Brenau University (87.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at Brenau University vs. 42.1% at Life University.

Brenau University vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Brenau University and Life University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Life University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Brenau University's (44%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Brenau University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $43,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than Brenau University graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Brenau University graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More Brenau University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.