Catawba College vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Catawba College in Salisbury, 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 Catawba College based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Catawba College vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Catawba College 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 Catawba College than Limestone University ($18,447 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 17.4% lower than at Catawba College ($11,210 vs. $13,565).
• Catawba College is 23.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $6,500 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.4% higher at Catawba College than at Limestone University (about $6,500 more per year; $34,300.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Catawba College than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Catawba College students is 43.3% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($30,808 vs. $21,504).

Catawba College vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Catawba College 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 Catawba College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Catawba College (1170) is 100 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Catawba College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 1030/1300; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Catawba College 17/25; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Catawba College - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Catawba College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Catawba College students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.64) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Catawba College (75.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Catawba College vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Catawba College vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Catawba College 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).

• Catawba College's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Catawba College earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Catawba College graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Catawba College graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($258 vs. $281).
• More Catawba College 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.