CSU vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Limestone University 11:1.

CSU vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 CSU ($19,369 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 8.1% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,210 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 17% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $4,720 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17% higher at CSU than at Limestone University (about $4,720 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Limestone University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 8.1% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($23,240 vs. $21,504).

CSU vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 20 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at CSU (3.24).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than CSU (96.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

CSU vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $700 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.