Life University vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Murray State University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Life University vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Murray State 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 Murray State University than Life University ($10,182 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 25.2% lower than at Life University ($11,112 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 51.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $5,136 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.9% higher at Murray State University than at Life University (about $4,800 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Life University students ($14,178 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Life University or Murray State 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 Murray State University and Life University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Murray State University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming Murray State University 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; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Life University vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Murray State 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).

• The graduation rate at Life University is the same as at Murray State University (52% vs. 52%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $13,166 lower median loan debt than Murray State University graduates ($8,334 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $136 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Murray State University graduates ($86 vs. $222).
• More Murray State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.