At $20,415/yr net price, Limestone University graduates earn $44,999/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,999/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,415 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $81,660 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,999/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,999/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,639 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,648/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,035/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,930/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,986/yr |
| $110,001+ | $24,483/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $55,286 | $35,014 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Bachelor | $52,607 | $25,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $52,107 | $26,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $41,565 | $32,500 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,896 | $29,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $34,847 | $27,335 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $26,319 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $27,620 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $31,250 |
The Risk Factor
27.6% of students at Limestone University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Limestone University presents a weak financial return with significant risks that you should carefully weigh. The median graduate earns $44,999 ten years after enrollment, which barely justifies the $20,415 annual net price when you factor in the 27.6% graduation rate.
Your major choice makes an enormous difference here. Business Administration and Computer/Information Technology Administration graduates earn over $52,000 annually, making these programs financially viable despite higher debt loads. Marketing also performs well at $52,107. However, avoid programs outside these top earners, as the general outcome of $44,999 suggests most other majors lead to poor returns.
The school's low graduation rate creates substantial financial risk. Nearly three out of four students leave without a degree, meaning you could rack up debt with no credential to show for it. The 63.6% retention rate signals early struggles that often predict departure.
Limestone works financially if you can secure substantial aid and plan to major in business or technology. The school offers merit scholarships that can significantly reduce your net price, making the ROI calculation more favorable. However, you need strong academic preparation to succeed where most students fail.
Skip Limestone if you're considering liberal arts majors, need extensive academic support, or cannot afford the risk of non-completion. The combination of low graduation rates and modest median earnings makes this a poor choice for students who are uncertain about their major or academic readiness. Look elsewhere unless you have a clear path to one of the higher-earning business programs and confidence in your ability to graduate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Limestone University worth the cost compared to other colleges?
Limestone University's graduates earn $44,999 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. With a net price of $20,415 annually and median debt of $27,639, the return on investment is weak compared to most four-year institutions.
What are the best paying majors at Limestone University?
Business Administration and Computer/Information Technology Administration lead Limestone's earnings, with graduates making around $52,000-$55,000 annually. These programs offer the strongest financial returns, while other majors like Human Resources Management show lower earning potential at $41,565.
How much debt do Limestone University graduates typically have?
Limestone University graduates carry a median debt of $27,639. Given that typical earnings are around $45,000 after 10 years, this debt level represents a significant financial burden that may take years to pay off.
Does Limestone University have good graduation rates for the money?
Limestone University's graduation rate is only 27.60%, meaning nearly three-quarters of students don't complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly undermines the value proposition, especially given the $20,415 annual cost.