Life University vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Life University vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University than Life University ($20,429 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 17.7% lower than at Life University ($12,220 vs. $14,850).
• Bluffton University is 148.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $22,326 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 148.5% higher at Bluffton University than at Life University (about $22,326 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 178.8% larger than aid received by Life University students ($31,481 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Bluffton 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; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bluffton University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.26) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Life University vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Life University's (52%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.