Life University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Life University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Bluefield State 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 State University than Life University ($15,814 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 22.5% lower than at Life University ($11,512 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 41.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $4,388 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.2% higher at Bluefield State University than at Life University (about $3,340 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Life University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 15.1% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($11,292 vs. $9,814).

Life University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Life University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Bluefield State 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 State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $15,100 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $10,666 lower median loan debt than Bluefield State University graduates ($8,334 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $110 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluefield State University graduates ($86 vs. $196).
• More Life University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 30%)

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.