Limestone University vs. USC Aiken

Comparable Facts

Compare Limestone University in Gaffney, SC with University of South Carolina Aiken in Aiken, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (4,022 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Limestone University is located in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting); University of South Carolina Aiken is in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting).
• Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Limestone University 11:1; University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1.

Limestone University vs. USC Aiken Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Limestone University or USC Aiken? 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than Limestone University ($12,236 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 18.1% lower than at Limestone University ($9,182 vs. $11,210).
• Limestone University is 158.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $17,040 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31% higher at Limestone University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $6,582 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 141.5% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($21,504 vs. $8,904).

Limestone University vs. USC Aiken Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is 30 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming Limestone University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at USC Aiken (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 980/1160; University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 19/25; University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Limestone University - Test-free; USC Aiken - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Limestone University vs. 28.2% at USC Aiken.

Limestone University vs. USC Aiken Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Limestone University and USC Aiken? 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).

• University of South Carolina Aiken's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $900 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of South Carolina Aiken graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, USC Aiken graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($268 vs. $281).
• More USC Aiken graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (54% 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.