News Summary
In response to Limestone University’s upcoming closure due to financial difficulties, Newberry College is providing a range of support measures for affected students, faculty, and staff. These include guaranteed transfer credits, waived enrollment fees, an expedited admissions process, and continued financial aid matching. As the institution seeks to uphold community dignity during this challenging transition, it aims to ease the impact on around 1,600 students and over 300 employees. This collaborative effort with nearby colleges reflects the urgent need for support within the educational sector.
Newberry, South Carolina – In response to the recent closure announcement from Limestone University, Newberry College has stepped in to support the affected community by offering various assistance measures for students, faculty, and staff. Limestone University, which has served the educational needs of its students for nearly 180 years, will close its doors at the end of the spring 2025 semester due to a significant $6 million budget shortfall.
The closure impacts approximately 1,600 students and over 300 employees, leaving them in a vulnerable position as they navigate their academic and professional futures. Dr. David Harpool, the transitional president of Newberry College, has underscored the importance of community warmth, compassion, and continuity during this challenging time.
To facilitate a smooth transition for students affected by Limestone’s closure, Newberry College has implemented a package of benefits that include:
- Guaranteed Transfer Credits: All completed coursework from Limestone University will be recognized, contingent upon a minimum GPA and passing grades.
- Waived Enrollment Fees: To alleviate financial burdens, Newberry College will waive enrollment fees for students transferring from Limestone.
- Accelerated Admissions Process: Newberry College is expediting the admissions process for incoming students to ensure they can secure their future efficiently.
- Match on Institutional Aid: Newberry will match the general institutional aid awarded to students during their transfer to provide continued financial support.
- Commuter Status: Students choosing to live off-campus will automatically be granted commuter status.
In addition to supporting students, Newberry College is offering benefits aimed at Limestone faculty and staff, such as honoring existing tuition remission benefits for employees and their eligible dependents. For those using Limestone’s tuition remission in the 2025-2026 academic year, Newberry College will also provide similar access to remission programs, thereby facilitating a smoother transition for educational staff.
The efforts from Newberry College are not just confined to academic lifelines but are also designed to extend dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging to the displaced Limestone community. The need for such support became increasingly urgent after Limestone’s financial difficulties came to light in mid-April 2025. The university launched a fundraising campaign titled “Together for Limestone” in an effort to recover financially, raising $2.143 million from 200 donors. Unfortunately, these funds were insufficient to sustain operational viability, culminating in the difficult decision to close.
Limestone University, renowned as the first women’s college in South Carolina, contributes significantly to the local economy, generating an estimated $150 million annually in Cherokee County. The institution’s closure not only affects its immediate community but also reflects the broader challenges faced by small, private colleges in the country grappling with declining enrollment numbers and rising operational costs.
In light of the closure, other nearby institutions like Erskine College and Coker University are also joining Newberry College in offering support and transfer options for Limestone students, providing a broader network of assistance during this tumultuous period.
As Limestone University prepares for its final commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 3, 2025, it stands as a somber reminder of the challenging financial realities facing many educational institutions in today’s landscape.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Limestone University
- WYFF 4
- Google Search: Limestone University closure 2025
- University Herald
- Google Scholar: Limestone University financial crisis
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small private colleges challenges
