DSC vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

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

Dalton State College is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (5,135 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; Life University 15:1.

DSC vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC 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 Dalton State College than Life University ($5,625 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dalton State College are 29.8% lower than at Life University ($10,419 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 350.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $11,700 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.1% higher at Life University than at Dalton State College (about $4,380 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Dalton State College than at Life University (92% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 69.7% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($11,292 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC 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 DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLife University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLife University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; Life University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Life University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.11) than students at DSC (3.1).

DSC vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC 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 Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $14,400 more per year than DSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $32,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $6,553 lower median loan debt than DSC graduates ($8,334 vs. $14,887).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $67 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DSC graduates ($86 vs. $153).
• More DSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.