Limestone University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Limestone University is located in Gaffney, SC (Distant Town setting); Virginia State University is in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting).
• Limestone University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Limestone University 11:1; Virginia State University 13:1.

Limestone University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Limestone University or VSU? 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 Virginia State University than Limestone University ($17,840 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 16.1% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,210 vs. $13,355).
• Limestone University is 176.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $17,757 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at Limestone University than at Virginia State University (about $5,150 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $22,650.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Limestone University than at Virginia State University (96% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 72.8% larger than aid received by Virginia State University students ($21,504 vs. $12,447).

Limestone University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 110 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 980/1160; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Limestone University 19/25; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Limestone University - Test-free; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at VSU (2.85).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at Limestone University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Limestone University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Limestone University and VSU? 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than VSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Limestone University graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($27,250 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Limestone University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($281 vs. $305).
• More Limestone University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (36% vs. 28%)

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.