Limestone University, a 180-year-old private Christian university in South Carolina, is closing at the end of the semester after failing to secure $6 million in funding. The university’s announcement on April 30, 2025, shocked students and alumni alike, as it faced dire financial challenges, including a staggering $30 million in debt.
- Limestone University closing due to financial issues
- Failed to raise $6 million needed
- Enrollment dropped from 3,200 to 1,600
- Over 200 donors contributed $2.1 million
- Students promised assistance for transfers
- Other regional colleges also closing
Despite a two-week fundraising effort that raised just over $2 million, Limestone University officials had no choice but to shut down its Gaffney campus and online programs. The institution has seen its enrollment drop by nearly half over the past decade, a trend mirrored by many private colleges across the nation.
As the community grapples with this loss, Limestone University pledged to assist students in transferring to other institutions. What does this mean for the future of higher education in America?
This closure raises important questions about the sustainability of private higher education. With many institutions facing similar financial pressures, what can be done to ensure their survival?
- Over 200 donors contributed but fell short of the needed funds.
- Enrollment dropped from 3,200 to about 1,600 students in a decade.
- South Carolina lawmakers opted not to intervene due to its private status.
As Limestone University prepares for its final commencement, it serves as a reminder for prospective students and educators to consider the evolving landscape of higher education and its potential implications.
