Limestone University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Limestone University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Limestone University is located in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Limestone University 11:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Limestone University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Limestone University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University than Limestone University ($15,814 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 2.6% lower than at Bluefield State University ($11,210 vs. $11,512).
• Limestone University is 161.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $17,152 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.3% higher at Limestone University than at Bluefield State University (about $9,424 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Limestone University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 119.1% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($21,504 vs. $9,814).

Limestone University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Limestone University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University and Limestone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 90 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 980/1160; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 19/25; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Limestone University - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Bluefield State University (97.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Limestone University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Limestone University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Limestone University and Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $8,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $85 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($196 vs. $281).
• More Limestone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (36% vs. 30%)

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.