Life University vs. Mars Hill University

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Life University is larger than Mars Hill University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Life University vs. Mars Hill University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University than Life University ($18,925 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mars Hill University are 17.5% lower than at Life University ($12,258 vs. $14,850).
• Mars Hill University is 151% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $22,700 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 151% higher at Mars Hill University than at Life University (about $22,700 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 175.1% larger than aid received by Life University students ($31,066 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Mars Hill University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Life University or Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University and Life University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130.
• 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; Mars Hill University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Mars Hill University (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 31.1% at Mars Hill University.

Life University vs. Mars Hill University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University's (38%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $14,600 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than Mars Hill University graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mars Hill University graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.