Columbus State vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• Columbus State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbus State University 16:1; Life University 15:1.

Columbus State vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State 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 Columbus State University than Life University ($12,420 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbus State University are 21.1% lower than at Life University ($11,720 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 154.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $9,138 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at Columbus State than at Life University (about $2,574 more per year; $17,610.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbus State University as at Life University (89% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 25.4% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($11,292 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State 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 Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 100 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Columbus State students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Life University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Life University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.11) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 42.1% at Life University.

Columbus State vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State 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 Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $9,500 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $17,666 lower median loan debt than Columbus State graduates ($8,334 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $182 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbus State graduates ($86 vs. $268).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (37% 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.