Life University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Life University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University than Life University ($11,727 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 36.5% lower than at Life University ($9,432 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 34.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $3,876 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.3% higher at Francis Marion University than at Life University (about $6,508 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Life University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 6.2% larger than aid received by Life University students ($11,988 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Life University or Francis Marion 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 Francis Marion University and Life University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Francis Marion 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; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.78 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Life University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Francis Marion 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).

• Life University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $22,666 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($8,334 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $234 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($86 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.