GS vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

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

Georgia Southern University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (27,423 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Georgia Southern University is located in Statesboro, GA (Remote Town setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• Georgia Southern University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Georgia Southern University 25:1; Life University 15:1.

GS vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GS 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 Georgia Southern University than Life University ($15,971 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Georgia Southern University are 22.6% lower than at Life University ($11,492 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 149.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than GS (about $9,014 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $6,022.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.9% higher at GS than at Life University (about $2,698 more per year; $17,734.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Georgia Southern University than at Life University (90% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Georgia Southern University students ($11,292 vs. $8,994).

GS vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GS 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 GS.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Georgia Southern University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming GS 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: Georgia Southern University 986/1133; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Georgia Southern University 18/23; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GS - Required; Life University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GS May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GS students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than GS (87.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at GS vs. 42.1% at Life University.

GS vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GS 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 Georgia Southern University's (47%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than GS graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $14,666 lower median loan debt than GS graduates ($8,334 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $151 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GS graduates ($86 vs. $237).
• More GS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.