Life University vs. GWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gardner Webb University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Gardner Webb University is in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Gardner Webb University 12:1.

Life University vs. GWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or GWU? 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 Gardner Webb University than Life University ($20,016 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gardner Webb University are 23.2% lower than at Life University ($11,410 vs. $14,850).
• Gardner Webb University is 131.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $19,724 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 131.2% higher at GWU than at Life University (about $19,724 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 139.9% larger than aid received by Life University students ($27,088 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. GWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming GWU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Gardner Webb University 975/1198.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Gardner Webb University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; GWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 11.2% at GWU.

Life University vs. GWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and GWU? 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Life University's (52%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than GWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $16,635 lower median loan debt than GWU graduates ($8,334 vs. $24,969).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $172 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GWU graduates ($86 vs. $258).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.