Life University: 97.8% Acceptance Rate

97.8%Acceptance

$15,036Tuition

869Students

32%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,397Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAData: 2023-24

About Life University

Life University built its reputation as Georgia's top chiropractic school and has grown into a full health sciences institution. The 869-student campus in Marietta focuses heavily on hands-on healthcare training. Nearly 98% of applicants gain admission, making it accessible to students with varied academic backgrounds. The school attracts a diverse student body that's 30% white, 26% Black, and 19% Hispanic.

Students pay an average net price of $30,257 after financial aid, which represents a significant investment for most families. Graduates earn a median of $47,397 ten years after leaving school. The typical monthly loan payment sits at $177, though only 35% of borrowers successfully repay their loans on time. The financial picture becomes challenging when considering the 32% six-year graduation rate.

Life University fields 16 varsity sports teams competing at the NAIA level, with an impressive 715 total athletes receiving $5.6 million in athletic scholarships. The Running Eagles create a strong athletic culture on campus. However, the 63% retention rate suggests many students struggle to persist through their programs. Students considering Life should carefully weigh the specialized health sciences training against the completion challenges and debt load.

Academics & Faculty

Life University built its reputation as a chiropractic powerhouse since 1974, graduating more chiropractors than almost any other institution in the world. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides close mentoring crucial for hands-on health sciences training. However, the 32% six-year graduation rate reflects the rigorous nature of these programs and the fact that many students struggle with the demanding coursework. The university operates on a quarter system, allowing students to complete requirements faster. Beyond chiropractic, Life offers programs in nutrition, exercise science, and other health fields. Students benefit from extensive clinical training opportunities, though the specialized focus means limited options outside health sciences disciplines.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 31.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 32.1%
Retention Rate: 62.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,397
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Chiropractic.	Doctoral	$33,993

View all 33 programs →

Campus Life

Life University sits in Marietta, Georgia, about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta. The campus houses 661 students, meaning roughly three-quarters of the 869 enrolled students live off-campus in the greater Atlanta metro area. Georgia's mild climate means you'll need light jackets for winter but can expect hot, humid summers perfect for the school's extensive athletics program.

With 715 total athletes across 16 varsity sports, nearly every student you meet is either competing for the Running Eagles or training in the health sciences labs. The quarter system keeps academics moving quickly, which fits the hands-on nature of chiropractic and health programs that dominate campus life. Students often spend weekends exploring Atlanta's music and food scenes or attending NAIA athletic events. The 52% male, 48% female split creates a balanced social environment, while the diverse student body reflects metro Atlanta's demographics with 30% White, 26% Black, and 19% Hispanic students. Campus traditions center around athletic competitions and health sciences achievements rather than typical college party culture.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 661 beds
Calendar System: Quarter
Founded: 1974

Campus Safety (2023)

19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	4	4
Rape	3	2
Aggravated Assault	2	1
Burglary	2	0
Fondling	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–53°F
July Avg: 68°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 56.2"
Annual Snowfall: 1.2"

Student Demographics

Life University draws students who want hands-on healthcare careers, with chiropractic being the flagship program. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, reflecting the growing diversity in health sciences fields. About half come from Georgia, showing the school's strong regional reputation in the Southeast. The campus serves a diverse population, with students of color making up nearly half the enrollment. Many students come from working-class backgrounds, drawn to Life's practical approach to healthcare education and the promise of stable careers in growing medical fields.

Men: 52.0%
Women: 48.0%
White: 30.3%
Black: 25.6%
Hispanic: 19.2%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 47.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.2%

Location

Life University sits in Marietta, Georgia, about 20 miles northwest of Atlanta. The campus draws students to metro Atlanta's suburban corridor, where 52.01% are men and 47.99% are women. Marietta blends historic Southern charm with modern suburban amenities, offering access to both urban opportunities and outdoor recreation in the North Georgia foothills. The 869-student campus benefits from proximity to Atlanta's medical facilities and healthcare networks, crucial for a health sciences-focused institution. Students can reach downtown Atlanta in roughly 30 minutes, providing internship and job opportunities in one of the Southeast's largest metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in Georgia may also compare Life University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Marietta, Georgia 30060

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,397
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,729
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 35.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $177/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $16,666

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Life University?

Life University accepts 97.77% of applicants with an average SAT score of 974. The school focuses primarily on chiropractic education and health sciences, making it accessible to students interested in alternative medicine careers.

How much does Life University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $30,257 annually at Life University. The school charges the same $15,036 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students, though room and board adds another $13,959 for on-campus living.

What is Life University known for academically?

Life University specializes in chiropractic education and health sciences programs with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The school operates on a quarter system and maintains a strong focus on hands-on training in alternative healthcare fields.

What are the graduation outcomes at Life University?

Only 32.10% of students graduate within six years at Life University, with a retention rate of 62.58%. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,397 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the specialized nature of chiropractic and health sciences careers.

Where is Life University located and what is campus life like?

Life University sits in Marietta, Georgia, a small city setting with 869 total students. The campus houses 661 students and maintains a diverse student body that is 30.26% White, 25.55% Black, and 19.22% Hispanic.

Does Life University have strong athletics programs?

Life University fields 16 varsity sports teams competing in NAIA with 715 total athletes. The Running Eagles receive $5,622,909 in athletic scholarships, making athletics a major part of campus life with over 80% of students participating in sports.