Life University vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Life University vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University than Life University ($17,810 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 23.2% lower than at Life University ($11,411 vs. $14,850).
• Mary Baldwin University is 127.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $19,116 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 127.1% higher at MBC than at Life University (about $19,116 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Life University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 149.2% larger than aid received by Life University students ($28,135 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is the same as at MBC (1030).
• Incoming MBC students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Life University (3.11).

Life University vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University's (49%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More MBC 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.