Life University vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

Life University vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Columbia International 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 Columbia International University than Life University ($26,056 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia International University are 19.5% lower than at Life University ($11,950 vs. $14,850).
• Columbia International University is 85.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $12,864 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.6% higher at Columbia International University than at Life University (about $12,864 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at Life University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 50.6% larger than aid received by Life University students ($17,009 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

Life University vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Columbia International 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Life University's (52%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $13,166 lower median loan debt than Columbia International University graduates ($8,334 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $136 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia International University graduates ($86 vs. $222).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.