University of South Alabama vs. Life University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL with Life University in Marietta, GA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Alabama is larger than Life University based on total student enrollment (14,003 students vs. 2,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of South Alabama vs. Life University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of South Alabama 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 University of South Alabama than Life University ($16,074 vs. $29,111).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Alabama are 23.5% lower than at Life University ($11,366 vs. $14,850).
• Life University is 48.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of South Alabama (about $4,920 more per year; $15,036.00 vs. $10,116.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27% higher at University of South Alabama than at Life University (about $4,056 more per year; $19,092.00 vs. $15,036.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of South Alabama than at Life University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Life University students is 21% larger than aid received by University of South Alabama students ($11,292 vs. $9,329).

University of South Alabama vs. Life University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of South Alabama or Life University? 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 Life University and University of South Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Alabama (1080) is 50 points higher than at Life University (1030).
• Incoming University of South Alabama 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: University of South Alabama 970/1190; Life University 920/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Alabama 20/26; Life University 17/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of South Alabama - Test optional; Life University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of South Alabama Jul 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of South Alabama students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Life University (3.11).
• Life University has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than University of South Alabama (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at University of South Alabama vs. 42.1% at Life University.

University of South Alabama vs. Life University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of South Alabama and Life University? 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 South Alabama's (39%).
• Graduates from Life University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than University of South Alabama graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,900 vs. $45,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Life University graduates have a $16,166 lower median loan debt than University of South Alabama graduates ($8,334 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Life University graduates have an estimated $167 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of South Alabama graduates ($86 vs. $253).
• More University of South Alabama graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Life University students, three years after graduation. (45% 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.