Carlow University vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA with Limestone University in Gaffney, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Carlow University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (2,416 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carlow University is located in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting); Limestone University is in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carlow University 12:1; Limestone University 11:1.

Carlow University vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carlow University 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 Carlow University ($19,369 vs. $21,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 18.8% lower than at Carlow University ($11,210 vs. $13,808).
• Carlow University is 29% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $8,074 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29% higher at Carlow University than at Limestone University (about $8,074 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Limestone University (99% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 31.3% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($28,233 vs. $21,504).

Carlow University vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carlow University 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 Carlow University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 10 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carlow University 960/1168; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLimestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carlow University - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Carlow University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Carlow University vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Carlow University vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carlow University 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Carlow University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carlow University graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Carlow University graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More Carlow University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.