SWU vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Limestone University is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Wesleyan University is located in Central, SC (Distant Town setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Wesleyan University 10:1; Limestone University 11:1.

SWU vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SWU 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 SWU ($19,369 vs. $20,134).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 9.7% lower than at Limestone University ($10,126 vs. $11,210).
• Southern Wesleyan University is 7.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $2,000 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.2% higher at SWU than at Limestone University (about $2,000 more per year; $29,800.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Wesleyan University than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 10.3% larger than aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students ($21,504 vs. $19,498).

SWU vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SWU or Limestone University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Limestone University and SWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 60 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming SWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Limestone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 22/28; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SWU - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Limestone University (97.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at SWU vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

SWU vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SWU and Limestone University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Southern Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Wesleyan University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, SWU graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More SWU 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.