Life University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Life University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Life University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Buena Vista 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 Buena Vista University than Life University ($19,704 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 23.7% lower than at Life University ($11,330 vs. $14,850).
• Buena Vista University is 178% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $26,762 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 178% higher at Buena Vista University than at Life University (about $26,762 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 204.6% larger than aid received by Life University students ($34,397 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is the same as at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Life University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Buena Vista 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).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Life University's (52%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $15,688 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($8,334 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $162 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($86 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.