BLC vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN with Limestone University in Gaffney, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Limestone University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany Lutheran College is located in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany Lutheran College 12:1; Limestone University 11:1.

BLC vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BLC 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 Limestone University than BLC ($19,369 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 23.1% lower than at Limestone University ($8,620 vs. $11,210).
• Bethany Lutheran College is 12.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $3,560 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.8% higher at BLC than at Limestone University (about $3,560 more per year; $31,360.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany Lutheran College than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 8.3% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($21,504 vs. $19,865).

BLC vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BLC 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 BLC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 40 points higher than at Limestone University (1070).
• Incoming BLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Limestone University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany Lutheran College 21/26; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BLC - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34% at BLC vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

BLC vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BLC 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).

• Bethany Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($240 vs. $281).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.