Charleston Southern University vs Limestone University
Charleston Southern University is a private university in Charleston, SC, and Limestone University is a private university in Gaffney, SC. Charleston Southern University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 97% at Limestone University. Limestone University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $19,588 a year against $21,666 at Charleston Southern University. About 48% of students graduate at Charleston Southern University, compared with 32% at Limestone University. Ten years after enrolling, Charleston Southern University alumni earn a median of about $45,898, against $44,999 for Limestone University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Charleston, SC
Gaffney, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,893
1,482
Acceptance rate
96%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1160
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–25
Test policy
Considered
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,666
$19,588
Full cost / yr
$44,558
$40,671
In-state tuition
$32,520
$27,800
Out-of-state tuition
$32,520
$27,800
Application fee
$25
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,145
$16,772
$30k - $48k
$23,024
$15,920
$48k - $75k
$20,697
$18,607
$75k - $110k
$21,648
$23,314
Over $110k
$23,226
$23,320
Outcomes
Graduation rate
48%
32%
Freshman retention
63%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,606
$38,713
Median earnings (10 yr)
$45,898
$44,999
Median debt at graduation
$26,471
$27,639
Student body
Pell grant recipients
34%
43%
First-generation students
31%
43%
International students
3%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Charleston Southern University or Limestone University harder to get into?
- Charleston Southern University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 97% at Limestone University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Charleston Southern University or Limestone University?
- Limestone University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $19,588 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,666 at Charleston Southern University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Charleston Southern University and Limestone University?
- Before aid, Limestone University costs about $40,671 a year and Charleston Southern University about $44,558. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Charleston Southern University or Limestone University?
- Limestone University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,772 there, against about $20,145 at Charleston Southern University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Charleston Southern University or Limestone University?
- Charleston Southern University is the larger of the two, with about 2,893 undergraduates against 1,482 at Limestone University.
- Does Charleston Southern University or Limestone University have a better graduation rate?
- Charleston Southern University has the higher graduation rate, at about 48% against 32% at Limestone University.
- Do graduates of Charleston Southern University or Limestone University earn more?
- Charleston Southern University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $45,898 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,999 for Limestone University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Charleston Southern University and Limestone University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Charleston Southern University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Limestone University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Charleston Southern University and Limestone University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1160 at Charleston Southern University and 980–1160 at Limestone University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Charleston Southern University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston Southern University vs Furman UniversityCharleston Southern University vs Wofford CollegeLimestone University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaLimestone University vs Furman UniversityLimestone University vs Wofford College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school