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Columbia College vs Limestone University

Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, SC, and Limestone University is a private university in Gaffney, SC. Columbia College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 94% of applicants against 97% at Limestone University. Columbia College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,408 a year against $19,588 at Limestone University. About 45% of students graduate at Columbia College, compared with 32% at Limestone University. Ten years after enrolling, Limestone University alumni earn a median of about $44,999, against $41,338 for Columbia College.

Columbia College

Columbia, SC · Private

Limestone University

Gaffney, SC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Columbia, SC
Gaffney, SC
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,343
1,482
Acceptance rate
94%
97%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.09–3.59
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
850–1140
980–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
14–18
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,408
$19,588
Full cost / yr
$35,258
$40,671
In-state tuition
$22,214
$27,800
Out-of-state tuition
$22,214
$27,800
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,541
$16,772
$30k - $48k
$17,017
$15,920
$48k - $75k
$16,816
$18,607
$75k - $110k
$22,928
$23,314
Over $110k
$20,399
$23,320
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
32%
Freshman retention
60%
64%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,863
$38,713
Median earnings (10 yr)
$41,338
$44,999
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$27,639
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
43%
First-generation students
41%
43%
International students
1%
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia College or Limestone University harder to get into?
Columbia College is harder to get into. It admits about 94% 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, Columbia College or Limestone University?
Columbia College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,408 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,588 at Limestone 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 Columbia College and Limestone University?
Before aid, Columbia College costs about $35,258 a year and Limestone University about $40,671. 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, Columbia College or Limestone University?
Limestone University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,772 there, against about $17,541 at Columbia College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Columbia College or Limestone University?
Limestone University is the larger of the two, with about 1,482 undergraduates against 1,343 at Columbia College.
Does Columbia College or Limestone University have a better graduation rate?
Columbia College has the higher graduation rate, at about 45% against 32% at Limestone University.
Do graduates of Columbia College or Limestone University earn more?
Limestone University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,999 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,338 for Columbia College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia College and Limestone University require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Limestone University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Columbia College and Limestone University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 850–1140 at Columbia College and 980–1160 at Limestone University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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