AU vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, SC with Limestone University in Gaffney, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (4,710 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, SC (Small City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 13:1; Limestone University 11:1.

AU vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Limestone 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 Limestone University than AU ($19,369 vs. $24,434).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 11.9% lower than at Anderson University ($11,210 vs. $12,720).
• Anderson University is 25.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $7,170 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.8% higher at AU than at Limestone University (about $7,170 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Limestone University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 20.8% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($25,969 vs. $21,504).

AU vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Limestone 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 Limestone University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 120 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming AU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Limestone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 1100/1280; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 22/29; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman AU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at AU vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

AU vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Limestone 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).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than AU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $388 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($26,862 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($277 vs. $281).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 36%)

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.