Columbia International University vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia International University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia International University vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University 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 Columbia International University ($19,369 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 6.2% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,210 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 0.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $100 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.4% higher at Columbia International University than at Limestone University (about $100 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Columbia International University (96% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 26.4% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($21,504 vs. $17,009).

Columbia International University vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University 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 International University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 990/1195; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 16/25; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Columbia International University (94.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Columbia International University vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University 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 International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $5,750 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($222 vs. $281).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.