Life University vs. Bethel

Comparable Facts

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

Bethel University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (2,936 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Bethel University is in McKenzie, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Bethel University 15:1.

Life University vs. Bethel Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Bethel? 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 Bethel University than Life University ($13,112 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 29% lower than at Life University ($10,538 vs. $14,850).
• Bethel University is 24.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $3,676 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.4% higher at Bethel than at Life University (about $3,676 more per year; $18,712.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethel University than at Life University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethel University students is 56.7% larger than aid received by Life University students ($17,700 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Bethel Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bethel (980).
• Incoming Life University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Bethel (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Bethel University 830/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Bethel University 15/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Bethel - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bethel students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Bethel (60.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 32.2% at Bethel.

Life University vs. Bethel Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Bethel? 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 Bethel University's (32%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Bethel graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $42,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $19,916 lower median loan debt than Bethel graduates ($8,334 vs. $28,250).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $206 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel graduates ($86 vs. $292).
• More Life University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethel students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.