Life University vs. Cottey College

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Cottey College is in Nevada, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cottey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Cottey College 6:1.

Life University vs. Cottey College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Cottey 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 Cottey College than Life University ($14,704 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cottey College are 24.3% lower than at Life University ($11,240 vs. $14,850).
• Cottey College is 83.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $12,526 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.3% higher at Cottey College than at Life University (about $12,526 more per year; $27,562.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Cottey College than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cottey College students is 117.5% larger than aid received by Life University students ($24,565 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Cottey College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cottey College (1080) is 50 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming Cottey College 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; Cottey College 1030/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Cottey College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Cottey College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Cottey College students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Cottey College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 21.6% at Cottey College.

Life University vs. Cottey College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Cottey 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).

• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $3,666 lower median loan debt than Cottey College graduates ($8,334 vs. $12,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cottey College graduates ($86 vs. $124).
• More Cottey College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.