Limestone University vs. Fairmont State

Comparable Facts

Compare Limestone University in Gaffney, SC with Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fairmont State University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (3,305 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Limestone University is located in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting); Fairmont State University is in Fairmont, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fairmont State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Limestone University 11:1; Fairmont State University 14:1.

Limestone University vs. Fairmont State Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Limestone University or Fairmont State ? 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 Fairmont State University than Limestone University ($11,328 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 3.8% lower than at Fairmont State University ($11,210 vs. $11,656).
• Limestone University is 219.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fairmont State (about $19,092 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $8,708.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.9% higher at Limestone University than at Fairmont State University (about $8,876 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $18,924.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Fairmont State University (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 151.4% larger than aid received by Fairmont State University students ($21,504 vs. $8,552).

Limestone University vs. Fairmont State Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Limestone University or Fairmont State ? 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 Fairmont State and Limestone University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 130 points higher than at Fairmont State (940).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Fairmont State ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 980/1160; Fairmont State University 810/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 19/25; Fairmont State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Limestone University - Test-free; Fairmont State - Required.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Fairmont State (3.36).
• Fairmont State has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Limestone University (97.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Limestone University vs. 33.8% at Fairmont State .

Limestone University vs. Fairmont State Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Limestone University and Fairmont State ? 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).

• Limestone University's six-year graduation rate (39%) is higher than Fairmont State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Fairmont State graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $37,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fairmont State University graduates have a $5,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($22,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Fairmont State graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($227 vs. $281).
• More Fairmont State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.