About Limestone University
Small-town athletics drive the culture at this South Carolina university where nearly half the student body competes in varsity sports. With 1,528 students spread across 20 NCAA Division II teams, Limestone has built its reputation as a serious athletics program that awards over $5.3 million in athletic scholarships annually. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment in Gaffney, a town setting that keeps students focused on campus life rather than big-city distractions.
Students pay an average net price of $20,415 after aid, which represents decent value considering the school's focus on practical career preparation. Graduates earn a median of $44,999 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,639 in debt with monthly loan payments of $293. The 94.4% employment rate suggests the school successfully connects students to jobs, even if starting salaries remain modest.
Athletics dominate campus culture in ways that larger universities cannot match. With 735 total athletes among just over 1,500 students, nearly every other person you meet plays a sport at the Division II level. The 63.61% retention rate reflects the challenge of balancing rigorous athletic commitments with academic demands, but students who stay often find tight-knit communities built around their teams.
Students pay an average net price of $20,415 after aid, which represents decent value considering the school's focus on practical career preparation. Graduates earn a median of $44,999 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $27,639 in debt with monthly loan payments of $293. The 94.4% employment rate suggests the school successfully connects students to jobs, even if starting salaries remain modest.
Athletics dominate campus culture in ways that larger universities cannot match. With 735 total athletes among just over 1,500 students, nearly every other person you meet plays a sport at the Division II level. The 63.61% retention rate reflects the challenge of balancing rigorous athletic commitments with academic demands, but students who stay often find tight-knit communities built around their teams.
Academics & Faculty
Limestone University operates as a private university that balances liberal arts education with professional programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students personally. However, only 27% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many face completing their degrees. The university has built a reputation for its athletic training and sports management programs, leveraging its strong NCAA Division II athletic culture. Business and education programs also attract many students. With 89% of applicants accepted, Limestone welcomes students who need extra academic support. The small class sizes mean struggling students get individual attention from faculty.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 26.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.6%
- Retention Rate
- 63.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,999
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,286 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $52,607 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $41,565 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,896 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $34,847 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Limestone University sits in Gaffney, a small town about an hour from Charlotte. The campus houses 703 students out of its 1,528 enrollment, creating a tight-knit residential feel where nearly half the student body lives on campus. You'll need both winter coats and sunscreen in South Carolina's four-season climate, though winters stay relatively mild.
The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. With 735 athletes competing across 20 varsity sports, game days dominate weekend social life on this NCAA Division II campus. The athletic program receives over $5.3 million in scholarship funding, making sports central to campus identity. Students often gather at Saints games or explore nearby Cowpens National Battlefield when they want a break from campus. The gender split runs almost even at 50.1% male to 49.9% female. Greek life and intramural sports fill out the social calendar. The surrounding town offers limited nightlife, so most weekend activities center on campus events and athletic competitions.
The 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name, not just your student ID number. With 735 athletes competing across 20 varsity sports, game days dominate weekend social life on this NCAA Division II campus. The athletic program receives over $5.3 million in scholarship funding, making sports central to campus identity. Students often gather at Saints games or explore nearby Cowpens National Battlefield when they want a break from campus. The gender split runs almost even at 50.1% male to 49.9% female. Greek life and intramural sports fill out the social calendar. The surrounding town offers limited nightlife, so most weekend activities center on campus events and athletic competitions.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 703 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1845
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–51°F
- July Avg
- 65°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 93.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -1,551.5"
Student Demographics
Limestone draws students primarily from South Carolina and neighboring states, building its reputation as a regional university that serves local communities. Nearly half the student body receives Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to making college accessible to working-class families. The campus maintains an even gender split across its 1,528 students. The diverse student body includes significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students. This mix creates a community where first-generation college students often find support and opportunity in small-town Gaffney.
- Men
- 50.1%
- Women
- 49.9%
- White
- 38.8%
- Black
- 19.2%
- Hispanic
- 13.2%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 61.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.5%
Location
Limestone University sits in Gaffney, South Carolina, about 50 miles southwest of Charlotte, North Carolina. The town of roughly 12,000 residents lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Carolina Piedmont region. Gaffney is known for its historic peach water tower and serves as the Cherokee County seat. The area offers a small-town atmosphere with easy access to outdoor recreation in the nearby mountains. About 61% of Limestone's students come from within South Carolina, reflecting the school's regional draw. The campus provides housing for 703 students in a community where the university is a central institution. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Limestone with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Gaffney, South Carolina 29340-3799
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,999
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,317
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 34.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $293/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,639
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Limestone University?
Limestone University accepts 89.47% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking admission. The school focuses on providing opportunities for students who may not have been competitive candidates at more selective institutions.
How much does Limestone University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $20,415 annually, less than the sticker price of $27,500 for tuition. The school offers substantial financial support, with 43.45% of students receiving Pell Grants for lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Limestone University?
Limestone maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,528 students. This small class environment allows for personalized attention, though the school struggles with retention as only 63.61% of students return for their second year.
What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Limestone University?
Only 27.60% of students graduate within six years, which is below national averages. However, graduates who complete their degrees earn a median salary of $44,999 ten years after graduation, with a strong employment rate of 94.4%.
Where is Limestone University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Gaffney, South Carolina, a small town setting with housing for 703 students out of 1,528 total enrollment. Founded in 1845, the historic institution maintains a close-knit community atmosphere in a rural environment.
How strong is athletics at Limestone University?
Limestone competes in NCAA Division II with 20 varsity sports and 735 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus culture. The school invests heavily in athletic scholarships, awarding $5,358,915 annually to recruit competitive student-athletes.
