Life University
Life University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Life University Worth It?
At a value score of 14/100, Life University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $47,397 — 12% below average — while paying $29,791/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 36% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Life University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Life University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in GA
Ranked #98 of 113 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #3 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #6 | Goshen College | 56 | $14,493 | $51,943 |
| #98 | Life University | 14 | $29,791 | $47,397 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Life University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in GA.
Best Programs at Life University
The highest-earning program at Life University is Biology, General at $24,500/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Biology, General graduate from Life University earns $24,500, while a Biology, General graduate earns $24,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Biology, General graduates carry $18,834 in median debt vs. $18,834 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $29,791/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | $24,500 | $24,500 | $18,834 |
Similar Colleges in GA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Marietta, GA
- Student Body
- 893 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 36%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $29,791
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $47,397
- Median Student Debt
- $16,666