Limestone College

What Limestone College does

Limestone University, founded in 1845 in Gaffney, South Carolina, was a private, non-denominational Christian liberal arts institution that operated on-campus residential programs and the Limestone Online distance learning platform. It offered 57 undergraduate majors alongside graduate programs including an MBA (approved by SACSCOC in 2011) and an MSW (added Fall 2020), maintaining a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio with nearly 80% of day faculty holding PhDs or terminal degrees. The institution served traditional day students, working adults via the legacy Block Program, and online learners globally, with 98% of students receiving financial aid totaling approximately $13.9 million annually. Technology infrastructure relied on standard third-party higher education platforms: Canvas (LMS), Jenzabar (ERP), and ADP (HR/payroll), with no proprietary AI or differentiated technology components. The institution was accredited by SACSCOC since 1928 along with program-level accreditations from ACBSP, CAATE, NASM, CSWE, and NCATE.

The university's revenue model was tuition-driven (recurring subscription-style per semester), supplemented by fees, auxiliary services (housing, dining), and donor contributions. GTM centered on enrollment management and admissions counselors, including international recruitment, with financial aid packaging as a key enrollment lever. On April 29, 2025, the Board of Trustees voted to discontinue both on-campus and online programs following prolonged financial pressure, declining enrollment, and inability to secure sufficient funding despite a $2.143 million donor push from nearly 200 supporters in the final two weeks. The institution held its final commencement on May 3, 2025, executed faculty and staff layoffs, and established teach-out partnerships with approximately 20 receiving institutions including Appalachian State University, University of Dubuque (which acquired several online programs), Charleston Southern, and Winthrop to support displaced students.

Name

Limestone College

Legal name

Limestone University

Website

https://limestone.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1845

Operating status

Closed

Short description

Limestone University was a private non-profit Christian liberal arts institution founded in 1845 in Gaffney, South Carolina, offering 57 undergraduate majors plus graduate programs via on-campus and online delivery, before closing April 29, 2025 due to enrollment decline and funding shortfall.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Selective/Highly Selective Liberal Arts Colleges (EDAHACAJ)

Keywords

• Private higher education
• Liberal arts college
• Online degree programs
• Graduate business programs
• NCAA Division II athletics

Headquarters

HQ city

Gaffney

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue source from undergraduate and graduate tuition, including on-campus residential students and online program students. Also included fees for various services. The institution offered substantial financial aid (approximately $13.9 million annually) funded through a combination of institutional aid and federal/state programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Limestone University delivered private higher education through 57 undergraduate majors and graduate programs (MBA, MSW) offered via on-campus residential instruction and the Limestone Online distance education platform. The institution also operated the Block Program for working adults, the Scholars Academy dual-enrollment partnership with Cherokee County schools, NCAA Division II athletics across 25 sports, and specialized internship programs with corporate partners such as Diamond Resorts.

Product overview

Limestone University was an accredited, independent, non-denominational Christian liberal arts institution offering a comprehensive educational portfolio. The institution provided on-campus residential programs and innovative Limestone Online programs reaching globally. Key products included the Block Program for working adults (evening classes), the Global Experience Program for international study, the Diamond Resorts Internship Program for career preparation, and the Scholars Academy for dual enrollment. Graduate offerings included the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Healthcare Administration concentration and the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. The institution offered 57 undergraduate majors across various disciplines. The university closed on April 29, 2025, discontinuing both on-campus and online degree programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Limestone Online Innovative online degree program offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, reaching students across the globe.
• Block Program Accelerated evening program for working adults allowing students to complete bachelor's degrees entirely through evening classes.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) Graduate business degree program with a Healthcare Administration concentration, approved by SACSCOC in 2011.
• Master of Social Work (MSW) Graduate social work degree program added in Fall 2020, with CSWE accreditation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of students receive financial aid and scholarships
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Appalachian State UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement offering Limestone students streamlined transfer with waived application fees, quick admissions decisions, guaranteed on-campus housing for applications by June 1, 2025, financial aid assistance with extended scholarship deadlines, tailored student services including dedicated advising and orientation, and graduate program pathways in education, business, health, and nursing. General education credits honored per App State policies. SACSCOC accredited.
• Bluefield UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement with automatic admission for Limestone students in good standing. Bluefield matches Limestone's per-credit-hour tuition discounts and waives transfer credit limits to maximize credit acceptance. Fully accredited and in good standing with SACSCOC.
• Charleston Southern UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement offering automatic admission for Limestone students with 2.0+ GPA, waiving typical credit and course prerequisites. Transfer credit granted for courses with 2.0 GPA or higher. Application fee waived. Includes $1,500 Tour Treasure Grant for registration day attendance, freshman-level scholarships for on-campus programs (Fall 2025), 25% tuition discount for online programs, and reduced graduation credit requirements. SACSCOC accredited.
• Emory & Henry UniversityminorOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out partner offering an in-person MBA program. In good standing with SACSCOC. No special admissions or transfer exceptions noted. $7,000 scholarship available for transferring students. SACSCOC accredited.
• Faulkner UniversityminorOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement offering undergraduate transfer scholarships for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026: $12,000 for students with 3.0+ GPA, $10,000 for 2.0-2.99 GPA, $16,000 for students passing band or chorus auditions. Scholarships require admission and do not apply to varsity athletes or summer classes. SACSCOC accredited.
• King UniversityminorOthers · 1 January 2025Quick admissions process for Limestone University Master of Social Work (MSW) students with minimal degree disruption and regional internships. CSWE and SACSCOC accredited.
• Methodist UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement offering associate's to doctoral degrees in-person, online, or hybrid formats. Guaranteed admission with simplified, expedited process for former Limestone students. Scholarships of $14,000-$26,250 per year available for on-campus programs. Transfer policies determined by provost. SACSCOC accredited.
• Montreat CollegecoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement for campus-based Limestone students offering seamless transfer pathway. Accepts eligible students including conditional admission for GPAs below 2.0. Personalized credit evaluations with waived residency requirements. Academic advisors and custom degree plans provided. Tuition comparable or with financial accommodations.
• Morris Brown CollegeminorOthers · 1 January 2025Transfer partner expressing solidarity with Limestone during closure. Invites Limestone students to transfer with minimal disruption, offering in-person and online options, credit transfer, and personalized support. Affordable HBCU with strong academic legacy. Faculty and staff also encouraged to explore employment opportunities.
• North Carolina Wesleyan UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement offering accelerated, fully online bachelor's and graduate programs mirroring Limestone's format for seamless transfer. No application fee and free transfer evaluation. Dedicated advisors, 24/7 tutoring, and career support. Discounted tuition at $400.50/credit hour (undergrad) and $550/credit hour (graduate). Up to 90 undergraduate and 6 graduate transfer credits accepted.
• Newberry CollegecoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out agreement with credit transfer accepting all passing Limestone credits (undergraduate and graduate) toward equivalent programs. Guaranteed admission for students in good standing (minimum 2.0 GPA, no probation). Both in-person and online options. Undergraduate tuition equal to or less than Limestone's final-year pricing. Degree completion in same or shorter timeframe.
• North Greenville UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Transfer partner with rolling admission, no deadline. $35 application fee (waivable with code GoNGU). Course-by-course transfer credit review. Tuition (full-time 12-19 hours): $13,310 per semester. Housing: $2,850; Meal plan: $3,290. Various academic scholarships available. Student-athletes enter NCAA portal via Limestone to communicate with NGU coaches.
• Oglethorpe UniversityminorOthers · 1 January 2025Transfer partner offering in-person bachelor's degrees and hybrid MBA. Students admitted for Fall 2025 with 3.0+ GPA receive direct admission, waived application fee, and scholarship eligibility. Special transfer policies include waiving core requirements for rising juniors and seniors with qualifying credits. Recently passed 5-year accreditation review. SACSCOC accredited.
• Presbyterian CollegecoreOthers · 1 January 2025Transfer partner offering guaranteed merit scholarships of $20,000-$25,000 plus additional $2,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship for Limestone transfer students. Streamlined, no-application-fee transfer process with expedited admissions and priority transcript evaluation. Over 90 programs with small class sizes and personalized support.
• Savannah State UniversityminorOthers · 1 January 2025Transfer partner offering various degree programs. Follows standard admissions process for transfer students. South Carolina residents pay no out-of-state tuition fee with completed residency form. SACSCOC accredited and in good standing.
• Sweet Briar CollegeminorOthers · 1 January 2025Transfer partner offering automatic admission for qualified female Limestone students with 2.8+ GPA for Fall 2025 and beyond, waiving application fees and essays. Priority support in orientation, housing, and registration. Up to 60 transfer credits accepted and evaluated within five business days. Merit scholarships of $11,000-$16,000 per year, renewable up to four years. SACSCOC accredited.
• Thiel CollegeminorOthers · 1 January 2025Transfer partner offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in-person aligned with Limestone programs. Guaranteed admission without application fees. Tuition same or less than Limestone for Fall 2025-26. Accepts 100% of Limestone credits including graduate credits toward comparable degrees. Accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
• Truett McConnell UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Teach-out partner offering over 80 programs of study across residential and other modalities. Provides Limestone students 15% tuition discount for first year plus eligibility for additional financial aid. Fast-track application available by contacting admissions director directly. SACSCOC accredited for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
• Union Commonwealth UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025Special transfer accommodations for Limestone students transferring 48+ credit hours exempt from general education core. Transfer credits in major discipline fully applied; Limestone courses transcripted as if taken at receiving university including grades counting toward GPA even for D- grades. Designed to support forced transfer circumstances, especially for juniors/seniors.
• University of DubuquecoreOthers · 1 January 2025Acquiring several online academic programs from Limestone University. Assisting Limestone students with degree completion through expedited, fee-waived application. Tuition rates for LU transfer students: $330 per credit hour (undergraduate) and $480 per credit hour (graduate). Dedicated advising team assists with credit application toward graduation.
• Winthrop UniversitycoreOthers · 1 January 2025SACSCOC-approved teach-out partner waiving usual 25% (undergrad) and 33% (grad) credit transfer limits for Limestone students close to graduation. Students with over 90 credit hours who completed Limestone's general education requirements exempt from Winthrop's general education. Special exceptions considered for those with fewer credits. No tuition or fee exceptions. SACSCOC accredited.
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Articulation agreement announced in late 2019 providing Limestone pre-medical students a Guaranteed Admissions Interview and Early Admission Program. VCOM is a doctoral-level osteopathic medical college with a campus in Spartanburg, SC. Supports Limestone's pipeline for students pursuing medical careers.
• Transfer Agreement InstitutionsminorOthers · 1 January 202521 institutions with formal transfer agreements to assist Limestone students: Alfred University, Bethesda University, Carolina University (TRACS accredited), The Citadel, Clemson University, Coker University, Converse University, Gardner-Webb University, Lander University, Lees-McRae College, Lincoln Memorial University, King University, Spartanburg Methodist College, United States Sports University, University of Memphis, USC Palmetto College, USC Union, USC Lancaster, USC Aiken, USC Upstate. Students should contact each institution's admissions office for specific transfer assistance.
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development ProgramcoreOthers · 1 January 2021Partnership through the USDA Rural Development Program that made possible the Hines & Riggins Center, a three-story 65,000-square-foot library and student center opened in Fall 2021. Multi-million dollar facility serving as the new student center and library for Limestone University.
• Cherokee County School District (Scholars Academy)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership to operate the Scholars Academy allowing academically motivated high school students to earn college credits while attending classes on Limestone's campus. Enables students to graduate with a high school diploma and up to 85 college credits. Participants can earn an associate degree at Limestone while still in high school and complete a bachelor's in as little as two additional years.
• Ball Horticultural CompanyminorOthers · 1 January 2020Partnership with Ball Horticultural for a new landscape master plan starting in 2020 to beautify the campus and provide structured outdoor space for student life. Included a new outdoor amphitheater in front of Granberry Hall.
• Diamond Resorts (Internship Program)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2019Diamond Resorts Internship Program launched in 2019 offering Limestone junior and senior students semester-long internships for on-the-job training. Successful completion earns a full semester's worth of credits and a guaranteed position with Diamond Resorts after graduation. Diamond Resorts is a global leader in hospitality, vacation ownership, and entertainment.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Coker University: Private SC university with NCAA Division II athletics, small student-faculty ratio, and similar tuition-driven model. Comparable in size, program mix, and target student demographic.
• Montreat College: Private Christian liberal arts college in Montreat, NC with similar size, faith-based identity, and a comparable tuition-driven model. Named as a Limestone teach-out partner, indicating closely aligned student body profile.
• Converse University: Private university in Spartanburg, SC with historical roots as a women's college — directly paralleling Limestone's founding heritage. Offers similar mix of liberal arts and pre-professional programs at comparable scale.
• Anderson University (SC): Private Baptist-affiliated comprehensive university in Anderson, SC with NCAA Division II athletics, graduate programs (including online), and a comparable small-institution profile in the SC/SE market.
• Gardner-Webb University: Private Baptist university in Boiling Springs, NC with NCAA Division II athletics, similar graduate and online program offerings, and comparable small private university scale and tuition model. A Limestone transfer partner.
• Newberry College: Private, faith-affiliated liberal arts college in Newberry, SC with similar small-campus enrollment, NCAA Division II athletics, and comparable program mix. Like Limestone, it serves traditional undergraduates in the SC/SE corridor and was listed as a Limestone teach-out partner.
• North Greenville University: Private Christian university in Tigerville, SC with NCAA Division II athletics, similar size, and a comparable tuition/financial-aid-driven model. Named as a Limestone teach-out partner, indicating near-identical student profile and pricing.

Broad incumbents

• Wofford College: Highly selective private liberal arts college in Spartanburg, SC with a stronger financial profile and brand. Serves the same SC liberal arts undergraduate market but with materially different pricing power and selectivity.

Regional players

• USC Upstate: Public regional campus of the University of South Carolina serving the Spartanburg/Greenville corridor — directly overlapping Limestone's traditional recruitment geography with a public tuition price advantage.
• Lander University: Public comprehensive university in Greenwood, SC competing for the same in-state traditional undergraduate pool as Limestone, with comparable NCAA Division II athletics and program mix but a public funding model.

Market position

Strengths2 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/at_LimestoneCo
• Facebookfacebook.com/11158060964
• Instagraminstagram.com/limestoneuniversity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/limestone-college

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Limestone College