Life University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Tennessee State University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Tennessee State University 13:1.

Life University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University than Life University ($14,586 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 24.9% lower than at Life University ($11,150 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 74.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $6,420 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.1% higher at Tennessee State University than at Life University (about $7,380 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life University than at Tennessee State University (89% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 16.9% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($11,292 vs. $9,661).

Life University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 60 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Life University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at Tennessee State University (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Tennessee State University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.22) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Life University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Tennessee 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).

• Life University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $8,500 more per year than Tennessee State University 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 $19,666 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($8,334 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $203 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($86 vs. $289).
• More Life University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 29%)

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.