Limestone University Hosts Transfer Fair as Students Face Uncertain Future Amid Financial Crisis

Limestone University in Gaffney, South Carolina, is facing a dire financial crisis that threatens its survival, leaving over 1,700 students uncertain about their academic futures. On April 28, 2025, the university hosted a transfer fair to help students explore options at other institutions, as the possibility of closure or a shift to a fully online model looms. This event underscores not only Limestone's immediate challenges but also the broader issues of affordability and sustainability facing small private colleges across the United States.

The university announced on April 16, 2025, that it requires $6 million in immediate funding to remain operational Without this support, Limestone, a cornerstone of Gaffney since before the Civil War, may transition to a fully online model or shut down entirely by the end of the spring semester. The institution is grappling with a $30 million debt and an endowment that plummeted from $31.5 million in 2022 to $12.6 million by the end of fiscal year 2023. South Carolina's WARN report indicates that nearly 500 employees face layoffs if the university closes, amplifying the community-wide impact. "Limestone remains committed to our students and we will work directly with current students to help them identify the best path to successfully complete their educational journey," said Randall Richardson, Chair of the Limestone University Board of Trustees to FOX Carolina.

The transfer fair was a bittersweet necessity, connecting students—80% of whom are athletes—with admissions staff from other colleges. Students expressed gratitude for the support but heartbreak over the potential loss of their academic home. "It definitely stinks but I'm figuring it out and Limestone is helping us out which is nice, like the college fair, so it'll all work out," one student told FOX Carolina. Coaches are actively reaching out to other programs to find new teams for athletes, and staff members are providing emotional and logistical support to ease the transition.

Despite the crisis, Limestone has seen an outpouring of support from alumni, donors, and the local community. On April 24, 2025, the university launched the public phase of its "Together for Limestone" fundraising campaign, aiming to raise the $6 million needed to keep the campus open. "This campaign is not just about preserving Limestone's campus – it's about fighting for the future of our students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college," said Limestone University President Dr. Nathan Copeland. A $1 million donation from an unnamed supporter has bolstered hopes, and the university bookstore has reported a surge in merchandise sales as students and alumni rally around the institution. On April 19, a prayer vigil drew dozens of supporters, with campus minister Iman Bolden emphasizing collective hope. Two days later, students held a peaceful protest outside the Hines and Riggins Center, displaying homemade signs and voicing their commitment to Limestone's on-campus community.

As Limestone awaits a final decision from its Board of Trustees, the university's future remains uncertain. A board meeting on April 22, 2025, identified a "possible funding source" that has sparked cautious optimism, but no concrete solution has been confirmed. For now, Limestone is focused on supporting its students through transfer fairs, academic advising, and fundraising efforts. The university's story is a stark reminder of the fragility of small private colleges and the urgent need for innovative solutions to ensure access to affordable higher education. For Limestone's students, the transfer fair was a step toward navigating an uncertain future, but it also underscored the stakes of the broader affordability crisis.