AAMU vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

Compare Alabama A & M University in Normal, AL with Life University in Marietta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Alabama A & M University is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (7,295 students vs. 2,714 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Alabama A & M University is located in Normal, AL (Midsize City setting); Life University is in Marietta, GA (Small City setting).
• Alabama A & M University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Alabama A & M University 19:1; Life University 15:1.

AAMU vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AAMU or Life 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 Alabama A & M University than Life University ($17,152 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Alabama A & M University are 23.2% lower than at Life University ($11,402 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 50% more expensive for in-state tuition than AAMU (about $5,012 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $10,024.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.9% higher at AAMU than at Life University (about $3,598 more per year; $18,634.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Life University than at Alabama A & M University (89% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alabama A & M University students is 13.7% larger than aid received by Life University students ($12,844 vs. $11,292).

AAMU vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AAMU or Life University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Life University and AAMU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Life University (1030) is 100 points higher than at AAMU (930).
• Incoming Life University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (18 vs. 16 at AAMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Alabama A & M University 810/1040; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Alabama A & M University 14/19; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AAMU - Test optional; Life University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Life University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.11) than students at AAMU (3.02).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than AAMU (58%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.5% at AAMU vs. 42.1% at Life University.

AAMU vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AAMU and Life University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Life University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Alabama A & M University's (32%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $12,600 more per year than AAMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $34,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $26,666 lower median loan debt than AAMU graduates ($8,334 vs. $35,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $275 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AAMU graduates ($86 vs. $361).
• More Life University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AAMU students, three years after graduation. (33% vs. 25%)

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.