Life University vs. CSU

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Charleston Southern University is in Charleston, SC (Small City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Charleston Southern University 12:1.

Life University vs. CSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or CSU? 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 Charleston Southern University than Life University ($21,080 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Charleston Southern University are 17.8% lower than at Life University ($12,200 vs. $14,850).
• Charleston Southern University is 116.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $17,484 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 116.3% higher at CSU than at Life University (about $17,484 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Life University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 105.8% larger than aid received by Life University students ($23,240 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. CSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming CSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Charleston Southern University 930/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Charleston Southern University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; CSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Life University (3.11).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 17.7% at CSU.

Life University vs. CSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and CSU? 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.