Life University vs. Blackburn College

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Blackburn College is in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Blackburn College 11:1.

Life University vs. Blackburn College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Blackburn College? 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 Blackburn College than Life University ($18,460 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 33.2% lower than at Life University ($9,915 vs. $14,850).
• Blackburn College is 87.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $13,113 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.2% higher at Blackburn College than at Life University (about $13,113 more per year; $28,149.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Blackburn College students is 72.3% larger than aid received by Life University students ($19,456 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Blackburn College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming Blackburn College 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: Life University 920/1130; Blackburn College 888/1125.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Blackburn College 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Blackburn College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Blackburn College students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.23) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 25.7% at Blackburn College.

Life University vs. Blackburn College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Blackburn College? 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 Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $17,666 lower median loan debt than Blackburn College graduates ($8,334 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $182 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Blackburn College graduates ($86 vs. $268).
• More Blackburn College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.