Life University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

Compare Life University in Marietta, GA with Central College in Pella, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Life University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (2,714 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Life University is located in Marietta, GA (Small City setting); Central College is in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Life University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Life University 15:1; Central College 11:1.

Life University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Life University or Central College? 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 Central College than Life University ($23,848 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central College are 18.8% lower than at Life University ($12,060 vs. $14,850).
• Central College is 39.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Life University (about $5,952 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.6% higher at Central College than at Life University (about $5,952 more per year; $20,988.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central College than at Life University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central College students is 23.3% larger than aid received by Life University students ($13,925 vs. $11,292).

Life University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming Central College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 18 at Life University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 920/1130; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Life University 17/20; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Life University - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Central College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 42.1% at Life University vs. 21% at Central College.

Life University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Life University and Central College? 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).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Life University's (52%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Life University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $46,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $18,666 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($8,334 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $193 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($86 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.