Life University vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

Life University vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University than Life University ($20,355 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 25.9% lower than at Life University ($11,000 vs. $14,850).
• Tusculum University is 94.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $14,214 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.5% higher at Tusculum University than at Life University (about $14,214 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tusculum University than at Life University (94% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 110.4% larger than aid received by Life University students ($23,759 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Tusculum University (1010).
• Incoming Tusculum University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Tusculum University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.18) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

Life University vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Tusculum 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Tusculum University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $41,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than Tusculum University graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.