La Sierra University vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA with Life University in Marietta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Life University is larger than La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Life University 15:1.

La Sierra University vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra 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 La Sierra University than Life University ($23,848 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Sierra University are 9.6% lower than at Life University ($13,431 vs. $14,850).
• La Sierra University is 150.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $22,674 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 150.8% higher at La Sierra University than at Life University (about $22,674 more per year; $37,710.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at La Sierra University than at Life University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Sierra University students is 144.8% larger than aid received by Life University students ($27,646 vs. $11,292).

La Sierra University vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra 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 La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 20 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Life University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than La Sierra University (91.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 42.1% at Life University.

La Sierra University vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra 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 La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Life University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $21,666 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($8,334 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $224 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($86 vs. $310).
• More La Sierra University 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.