Students at Limestone University benefit from earnings that exceed expectations for similar students at comparable institutions, reflecting the value of personalized education in a small college setting.
The university combines broad educational access with responsible financial practices, as evidenced by graduates' successful debt management and zero default rates.
Limestone University is a small private nonprofit institution in Gaffney, South Carolina, serving students who value close-knit campus communities and personalized education. With 43% of students receiving Pell Grants and 43% being first-generation college students, Limestone provides broad access to higher education for students from diverse economic backgrounds. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
However, Limestone faces challenges in long-term earnings outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $45,000 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the bottom quartile nationally for earnings performance. Despite this, the university shows a positive value-added earnings effect of about $10,283, meaning graduates earn more than similar students at comparable institutions, suggesting the education provides meaningful economic benefit even if absolute earnings remain modest.
As an "Under-Resourced Institution" in terms of mobility outcomes, Limestone combines strong access with more limited financial returns. The university serves an important role in providing educational opportunities to students who might not otherwise attend college, though families should carefully consider the balance between educational access and long-term financial outcomes when making enrollment decisions.
Limestone University's program portfolio reflects a focus on practical, career-oriented fields that serve regional workforce needs. Business Administration stands out as both the largest and most financially successful program, graduating 116 students with median earnings of $40,896 ten years out. This combination of scale and solid earnings makes business the university's primary economic engine.
Digital Marketing represents the highest-earning program at $52,107, though with a smaller cohort of 26 graduates. This program demonstrates Limestone's ability to develop specialized offerings that command higher salaries in growing fields. Forensic Social Work, while popular with 79 graduates, reflects the university's commitment to social services education, though earnings of $30,854 align with typical compensation in helping professions.
The program mix emphasizes practical skills and regional employment opportunities rather than high-earning professional tracks. This approach serves the university's mission of providing accessible education to first-generation and Pell-eligible students, though it contributes to the overall modest earnings profile. Students should choose programs based on career interests and service goals rather than purely financial considerations, understanding that Limestone's strength lies in personal development and community impact rather than maximum earning potential.
Limestone University graduates earn modest but meaningful returns on their educational investment. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $45,000, which places the institution in the lower tier nationally for absolute earnings. However, the university demonstrates a positive value-added effect of approximately $10,283, meaning graduates earn more than similar students at comparable institutions would be expected to earn.
The strongest financial outcomes come from business and digital marketing programs. Business Administration graduates, representing the largest successful program with 116 graduates, earn around $40,896 ten years out. Digital Marketing shows the highest individual earnings at about $52,107, though with a smaller cohort of 26 graduates. Forensic Social Work, while popular with 79 graduates, shows more modest earnings around $30,854, reflecting the typical compensation patterns in social services fields.
While absolute earnings remain below national averages, the positive value-added performance suggests that Limestone provides educational value that translates into better-than-expected financial outcomes for its student population. The university's small size and personalized approach may contribute to this outperformance, helping students maximize their potential even in a challenging earnings environment.
Limestone University offers relatively affordable net prices across income levels, making private education accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay approximately $17,648 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $21,930, and higher-income families pay about $24,483. These prices represent reasonable value for private education, though families should weigh costs against the institution's modest earnings outcomes.
The university maintains strong financial aid practices, as evidenced by a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation. This suggests that while earnings may be modest, they are sufficient to support loan repayment for most borrowers. The combination of accessible pricing and successful debt management creates a sustainable affordability model for many students.
Typical debt levels require careful consideration given earnings outcomes. With federal loan debt averaging $27,639 and Parent PLUS debt around $17,457, families are taking on significant obligations relative to the $45,000 median graduate earnings. However, the university's track record of zero defaults suggests that graduates find ways to manage these payments, possibly through income-driven repayment plans or other financial strategies that align debt service with actual earning capacity.
Limestone University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
