Limestone University vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Limestone University in Gaffney, SC with East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Limestone University is located in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Limestone University 11:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

Limestone University vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Limestone University or ETSU? 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 East Tennessee State University than Limestone University ($16,286 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 5.9% lower than at Limestone University ($10,554 vs. $11,210).
• Limestone University is 165.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $17,328 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 91.4% higher at Limestone University than at East Tennessee State University (about $13,278 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at East Tennessee State University (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 112.9% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($21,504 vs. $10,101).

Limestone University vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Limestone University or ETSU? 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 ETSU and Limestone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Tennessee State University (1090) is 20 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming Limestone University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at ETSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 980/1160; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 19/25; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Limestone University - Test-free; ETSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than ETSU (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Limestone University vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

Limestone University vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Limestone University and ETSU? 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).

• East Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $500 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $6,750 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $70 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($211 vs. $281).
• More ETSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.