Life University vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Life University vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Bluefield 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 Bluefield University than Life University ($22,216 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 36.2% lower than at Life University ($9,480 vs. $14,850).
• Bluefield University is 78% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $11,734 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78% higher at Bluefield University than at Life University (about $11,734 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield University than at Life University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 80.1% larger than aid received by Life University students ($20,341 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Life University vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Bluefield 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 Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Bluefield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Bluefield University graduates ($8,334 vs. $20,834).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $129 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluefield University graduates ($86 vs. $215).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.