BAC vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Limestone University is larger than BAC based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 1,388 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Belmont Abbey College is located in Belmont, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Belmont Abbey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Belmont Abbey College 12:1; Limestone University 11:1.

BAC vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BAC 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 BAC ($19,369 vs. $24,726).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 13.6% lower than at Belmont Abbey College ($11,210 vs. $12,974).
• Limestone University is 42.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than BAC (about $8,300 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.6% higher at Limestone University than at Belmont Abbey College (about $8,300 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $19,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Belmont Abbey College than at Limestone University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 111.5% larger than aid received by Belmont Abbey College students ($21,504 vs. $10,168).

BAC vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BAC 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 BAC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Belmont Abbey College (1080) is 10 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming BAC students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Limestone University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 960/1200; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Belmont Abbey College 18/26; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BAC - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at BAC (3.32).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than BAC (74.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.6% at BAC vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

BAC vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BAC 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).

• Limestone University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Belmont Abbey College's (38%).
• Graduates from Belmont Abbey College earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Belmont Abbey College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, BAC graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More BAC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (40% 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.