CofC vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

College of Charleston is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (11,926 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Charleston is located in Charleston, SC (Midsize City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• College of Charleston is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Charleston 16:1; Limestone University 11:1.

CofC vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CofC 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 CofC ($19,369 vs. $21,004).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 21.8% lower than at College of Charleston ($11,210 vs. $14,332).
• Limestone University is 114.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CofC (about $14,822 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $12,978.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.8% higher at CofC than at Limestone University (about $10,496 more per year; $38,296.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at College of Charleston (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 139.4% larger than aid received by College of Charleston students ($21,504 vs. $8,983).

CofC vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CofC 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 CofC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at College of Charleston (1230) is 160 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming CofC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Limestone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 1140/1310; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Charleston 25/30; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CofC - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CofC Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CofC students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.94) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than CofC (60%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.9% at CofC vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

CofC vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CofC 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).

• College of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from College of Charleston earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Charleston graduates have a $5,750 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, CofC graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($222 vs. $281).
• More CofC 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.