VSU vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Limestone University 11:1.

VSU vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 Valdosta State University than Limestone University ($11,144 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Valdosta State University are 15% lower than at Limestone University ($9,530 vs. $11,210).
• Limestone University is 354% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $21,676 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.9% higher at Limestone University than at Valdosta State University (about $9,964 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Valdosta State University (96% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 110.7% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($21,504 vs. $10,206).

VSU vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 60 points higher than at VSU (1010).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at VSU (3.23).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

VSU vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and Limestone 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $200 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($258 vs. $281).
• More VSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (41% 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.