Life University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with West Virginia State University in Institute, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Virginia State University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Life University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Life University ($11,055 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Virginia State University are 8.9% lower than at Life University ($13,522 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 57.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $5,466 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at Life University than at West Virginia State University (about $46 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life University than at West Virginia State University (89% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($11,292 vs. $8,993).

Life University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 130 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Life University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (18 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WVSU students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Life University (3.11).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Life University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $14,916 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($8,334 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $154 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($86 vs. $240).
• More WVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.