GWU vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with Limestone University in Gaffney, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Gardner Webb University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (3,104 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Limestone University 11:1.

GWU vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU 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 GWU ($19,369 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 1.8% lower than at Gardner Webb University ($11,210 vs. $11,410).
• Gardner Webb University is 25% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $6,960 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25% higher at GWU than at Limestone University (about $6,960 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 26% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($27,088 vs. $21,504).

GWU vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GWU 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 GWU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming GWU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Limestone University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman GWU students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.74) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

GWU vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates of Gardner Webb University and Limestone University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,500), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $2,281 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($24,969 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($258 vs. $281).
• More GWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.