Life University vs. JCSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Life University is larger than JCSU based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,302 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Johnson C Smith University is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Johnson C Smith University 12:1.

Life University vs. JCSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or JCSU? 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 Johnson C Smith University than Life University ($19,705 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 42.1% lower than at Life University ($8,600 vs. $14,850).
• Johnson C Smith University is 41.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $6,264 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.7% higher at JCSU than at Life University (about $6,264 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Johnson C Smith University than at Life University (93% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 34.9% larger than aid received by Life University students ($15,238 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. JCSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Life University or JCSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between JCSU and Life University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Life University (1030) is 140 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Life University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (18 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Life University 920/1130; Johnson C Smith University 800/980.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Life University 17/20; Johnson C Smith University 13/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; JCSU - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman Life University students have a 0.63 point higher average high school GPA (3.11) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 12.8% at JCSU.

Life University vs. JCSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and JCSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Life University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Johnson C Smith University's (37%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $16,600 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $23,716 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($8,334 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $245 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($86 vs. $331).
• More Life University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 26%)

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.