Life University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Western Kentucky University is in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Western Kentucky University 19:1.

Life University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University than Life University ($12,548 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Kentucky University are 15.3% lower than at Life University ($12,582 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 29% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $3,384 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 79.6% higher at WKU than at Life University (about $11,964 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Life University (99% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 3.4% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($11,292 vs. $10,921).

Life University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Life University (1030) is 80 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Life University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 18) as students at WKU (18).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Life University (3.11).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Life University (93%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Life University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $15,916 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($8,334 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $164 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($86 vs. $250).
• More WKU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.