Life University vs. Spalding

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Spalding based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,553 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Spalding University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Spalding University 9:1.

Life University vs. Spalding Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Spalding? 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 Spalding University than Life University ($25,999 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 34.6% lower than at Life University ($9,710 vs. $14,850).
• Spalding University is 94.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $14,164 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.2% higher at Spalding than at Life University (about $14,164 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 72.1% larger than aid received by Life University students ($19,429 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Spalding Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 70 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming Life University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Spalding (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Spalding University 875/1038.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Spalding University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Spalding - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 15.6% at Spalding.

Life University vs. Spalding Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Spalding? 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 Spalding University's (42%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Spalding graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $16,666 lower median loan debt than Spalding graduates ($8,334 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $172 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($86 vs. $258).
• More Spalding graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.