Columbia College vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Limestone University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia College vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia 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 Columbia College than Limestone University ($18,790 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 16.2% lower than at Limestone University ($9,390 vs. $11,210).
• Limestone University is 25.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $5,586 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.1% higher at Limestone University than at Columbia College (about $5,586 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College than at Limestone University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 30.7% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($21,504 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 70 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Columbia College (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Columbia College vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,986 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($25,264 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($261 vs. $281).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.