Life University vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with University of Charleston in Charleston, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Charleston is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

Life University vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston than Life University ($20,844 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Charleston are 17.3% lower than at Life University ($12,280 vs. $14,850).
• University of Charleston is 124.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $18,764 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 124.8% higher at University of Charleston than at Life University (about $18,764 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Charleston than at Life University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 131.4% larger than aid received by Life University students ($26,132 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 40 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming University of Charleston students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman University of Charleston students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.13) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

Life University vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston's (51%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than University of Charleston graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $12,166 lower median loan debt than University of Charleston graduates ($8,334 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $125 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Charleston graduates ($86 vs. $211).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.