Life University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Life University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Ferrum 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 Ferrum College than Life University ($20,082 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Ferrum College are 10.9% lower than at Life University ($13,230 vs. $14,850).
• Ferrum College is 89.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $13,484 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 89.7% higher at Ferrum College than at Life University (about $13,484 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Life University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 205% larger than aid received by Life University students ($34,444 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Ferrum College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.14) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Life University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Ferrum 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 Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $19,666 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($8,334 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $203 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($86 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.