Life University vs. University of Southern Mississippi

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Southern Mississippi is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (13,170 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); University of Southern Mississippi is in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Southern Mississippi is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; University of Southern Mississippi 18:1.

Life University vs. University of Southern Mississippi Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or University of Southern Mississippi? 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 Southern Mississippi than Life University ($15,095 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Southern Mississippi are 19.7% lower than at Life University ($11,920 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 50.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Southern Mississippi (about $5,038 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $9,998.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.3% higher at Life University than at University of Southern Mississippi (about $3,038 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $11,998.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Southern Mississippi than at Life University (95% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 3.6% larger than aid received by University of Southern Mississippi students ($11,292 vs. $10,900).

Life University vs. University of Southern Mississippi Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming University of Southern Mississippi students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; University of Southern Mississippi 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; University of Southern Mississippi - Required.
• Accepted freshman University of Southern Mississippi students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Life University (3.11).
• University of Southern Mississippi has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 25% at University of Southern Mississippi.

Life University vs. University of Southern Mississippi Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and University of Southern Mississippi? 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 Southern Mississippi's (47%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than University of Southern Mississippi graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $16,666 lower median loan debt than University of Southern Mississippi graduates ($8,334 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $172 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Southern Mississippi graduates ($86 vs. $258).
• More University of Southern Mississippi graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.