Life University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Life University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College than Life University ($18,790 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 36.8% lower than at Life University ($9,390 vs. $14,850).
• Columbia College is 47.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $7,178 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.7% higher at Columbia College than at Life University (about $7,178 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Life University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 45.7% larger than aid received by Life University students ($16,451 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Life University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.45 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Life University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Columbia College? 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 Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $16,930 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($8,334 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $175 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($86 vs. $261).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.