Life University vs. BAC

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than BAC based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,388 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Belmont Abbey College is in Belmont, NC (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Belmont Abbey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Belmont Abbey College 12:1.

Life University vs. BAC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or BAC? 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 Belmont Abbey College than Life University ($24,726 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Belmont Abbey College are 12.6% lower than at Life University ($12,974 vs. $14,850).
• Belmont Abbey College is 29.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $4,464 more per year; $19,500.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.7% higher at BAC than at Life University (about $4,464 more per year; $19,500.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Belmont Abbey College than at Life University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 11.1% larger than aid received by Belmont Abbey College students ($11,292 vs. $10,168).

Life University vs. BAC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Life University or BAC? 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 BAC and Life University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Belmont Abbey College (1080) is 50 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming BAC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Belmont Abbey College 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Belmont Abbey College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; BAC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BAC students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.32) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than BAC (74.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 12.6% at BAC.

Life University vs. BAC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and BAC? 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 Belmont Abbey College's (38%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than BAC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than BAC graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BAC graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More BAC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (40% 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.