Life University vs. Union Commonwealth University

Comparable Facts

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

Life University is larger than Union Commonwealth University based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,324 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Union Commonwealth University is in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Union Commonwealth University 14:1.

Life University vs. Union Commonwealth University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University than Life University ($17,124 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 44.4% lower than at Life University ($8,261 vs. $14,850).
• Union Commonwealth University is 105.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $15,910 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.8% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Life University (about $15,910 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 138.8% larger than aid received by Life University students ($26,961 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Union Commonwealth University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Union Commonwealth University (1010).
• Incoming Life University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Union Commonwealth University 920/1105.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Union Commonwealth University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Union Commonwealth University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Union Commonwealth University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.15) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University.

Life University vs. Union Commonwealth University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University's (32%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $12,100 more per year than Union Commonwealth University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $34,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $15,666 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($8,334 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $162 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($86 vs. $248).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.