Limestone University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Limestone University is located in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Limestone University 11:1; Radford University 14:1.

Limestone University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Limestone University or RU? 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 Radford University than Limestone University ($16,749 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 10.3% lower than at Radford University ($11,210 vs. $12,504).
• Limestone University is 121.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $15,252 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Limestone University than at Radford University (about $2,167 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Radford University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 81.2% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($21,504 vs. $11,870).

Limestone University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 20 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming Limestone University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at RU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 980/1160; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 19/25; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Limestone University - Test-free; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at RU (3.31).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Limestone University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Limestone University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($237 vs. $281).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.