Information on Limestone University Closure Announcement

The board of trustees of Limestone University, an independent institution in Gaffney, S.C., voted on April 29 to close the institution at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. After 179 years of operations, the institution faced financial challenges the board concluded were insurmountable

As a champion for higher education, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education recognizes the closing of Limestone as a deep loss to the higher education landscape in our state. Our primary emphasis will be to fulfill our statutory responsibilities in a manner that minimizes the disruption facing Limestone's students and former students. The CHE will work closely with Limestone's leadership to facilitate their completion of the closure-related regulatory tasks required of licensed institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What are the CHE’s mandated responsibilities when a private/independent institution closes?

A: The CHE is the licensing authority for all nonpublic postsecondary institutions in South Carolina. Regulation 62-20 D of Chapter 62, SC Code of Regulations Governing Nonpublic Postsecondary Institutions and its related procedures requires that, in the event of a closure of an institution or site, the institution’s designated representative will:

(1) Notify the CHE in writing at the time the decision is made to close.

(2) Provide the name of the designated representative after the institution closes.

(3) Provide a list of any regional/state/federal agencies that provided funding approval and would need to be notified of the institution’s pending closure.

(4) Provide a record of the names, mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of students who (a) are currently enrolled and their current modality, (b) are on a leave of absence, or (c) have paid for education they did not receive.

(5) Submit a plan for the retention of student records, as well as the process by which students and former students will be able to access their records for a minimum of 50 years from graduation or termination of enrollment.

Q: Will credits from Limestone transfer to another institution?

A: It is up to the institution to which students are applying to determine which courses will be accepted for transfer. We strongly encourage students who wish to transfer to begin the research process immediately to meet transfer application deadlines at their prospective institutions. We also recommend speaking with enrollment and financial aid officials at each school at which you are interested in applying in order to determine your best option. Be sure to get copies of your transcript to take with you. A page with a transfer planning checklist and additional information on the lateral transfer process is also available on the CHE website.

Q: If a student wants to transfer to another school, does it have to have the same accreditor as Limestone?

A: No, students are open to explore all options and choose the institution and program that is right for them, however, changing to an institution with a different accreditor may impact the amount of transfer credits awarded.

Q: What is the impact of closure on state and federal student financial aid?

A: Students transferring will need to contact the financial aid office of the institution they wish to transfer to for evaluation of financial aid.

Q: I’m a veteran and was using GI Bill® benefits to finance my education at my closed school. How does the closure affect me and my benefits?

A: To learn more about your options or speak with a representative about your GI Bill® benefits, contact the VA’s Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551. If you’re interested in transferring your credits to another institution, you are encouraged to use the GI Bill® Comparison Tool to find a program that’s right for you.

Q: Where can I find information from Limestone’s accrediting agency?

A: Limestone is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the SACSOC web page with Limestone’s accreditation information is available here.

Q: How can I transfer my SC State Lottery Scholarship to my new college or university?

A: Students can view the list of eligible institutions for SC State Lottery Scholarships on our website.
• For the LIFE Scholarship: Contact the financial aid office at your new college or university. They will review your final transcript from Limestone to determine if you meet the renewal requirements. If eligible, the scholarship will be awarded and reported to the CHE by your new institution.
• For the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship: Complete the Palmetto Fellows In-state Transfer application on our website. Transfer applications for the Fall 2025 term will be processed beginning June 2, 2025, after the Spring 2025 term has ended.

Q: I am a class of 2025 high school graduate and already submitted my Palmetto Fellows Designation Form for Limestone. How can I update it or submit a new form?

A: Please email Scholarships@che.sc.gov with your full name, high school name and the name of the new college or university you plan to attend in Fall 2025.

Q: I need to request my official transcript from Limestone to apply to another college this summer. Who should I contact to send an official transcript to my new college?

A: Please send your transcript request to the Office of the Provost at Limestone University. Due to the evolving nature of the situation, we will post additional information on this process as we receive it.

Q: I am receiving South Carolina National Guard College Assistance (CAP) funds and plan to attend summer school at another institution. What should I do?

A: Air and Army National Guard service members should submit a Change Request at https://che.sc.gov/scngcap

Q. What happens to my HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship now that Limestone University is closing?

A: Your HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship remains eligible for use at another eligible South Carolina institution, provided you meet the scholarship’s renewal or eligibility criteria. These scholarships are administered by the CHE and are not tied exclusively to Limestone University.

Action Required for Palmetto Fellow recipients: Complete a Transfer Request Form to notify us of your new institution.

Q: Can I use my state lottery scholarship at another South Carolina institution?

A: Yes, you can use your HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship at any eligible public or private institution in South Carolina, as long as you meet the scholarship’s eligibility and renewal requirements.

Eligibility Reminder:
- The LIFE Scholarship requires a 3.0 cumulative LIFE GPA and 30 credit hours per academic year.
- Palmetto Fellows Scholarship requires a 3.0 institutional GPA and 30 credit hours per year.

Q: Can I use my state lottery scholarship if I transfer to an out-of-state institution?

A: No. The HOPE, LIFE, and Palmetto Fellows Scholarships are only available for use at eligible South Carolina institutions. If you transfer to an out-of-state college or university, you will forfeit these scholarships.

Q: What happens to my scholarship if I take a gap semester or year?

A: Based on South Carolina scholarship regulations, once you begin your initial college enrollment, you cannot take a gap semester or year and retain your HOPE, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. Scholarship recipients must maintain continuous full-time enrollment to utilize their scholarship and meet continued eligibility requirements.

Q: Can I use my state lottery scholarship for summer courses at another institution?

A: Yes, eligible LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship may use one of their eight semesters of scholarship eligibility for summer courses, provided they enroll full-time (at least 12 credit hours) and meet renewal criteria at the end of the Spring semester.

Action Required: Contact the financial aid office at the institution offering the summer courses to confirm eligibility.

Additional resources: