Columbus State vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbus State vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State 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 Columbus State University than Limestone University ($12,420 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 4.4% lower than at Columbus State University ($11,210 vs. $11,720).
• Limestone University is 371.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $21,902 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 57.9% higher at Limestone University than at Columbus State University (about $10,190 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Columbus State University (96% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 138.9% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($21,504 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State 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 Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 140 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Limestone University (97.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Columbus State vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State 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 Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Columbus State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($268 vs. $281).
• More Columbus State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (37% 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.