Illinois College vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL with Limestone University in Gaffney, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Limestone University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Illinois College vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College 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 Illinois College than Limestone University ($17,375 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 6.8% lower than at Illinois College ($11,210 vs. $12,026).
• Illinois College is 39.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $10,876 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.1% higher at Illinois College than at Limestone University (about $10,876 more per year; $38,676.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois College students is 47% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($31,609 vs. $21,504).

Illinois College vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Illinois College 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 Illinois College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Illinois College (1030).
• Incoming Illinois College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Limestone University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 883/1180; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 19/26; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Illinois College students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Illinois College (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Illinois College vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Illinois College earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($27,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Illinois College graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($279 vs. $281).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.