News Summary
In a display of solidarity, Newberry College has announced support measures for the Limestone University community after its impending closure in spring 2025 due to financial difficulties. The initiatives aim to assist approximately 1,600 students, faculty, and staff affected by the university’s decision. Support includes guaranteed transfer credits, waived enrollment fees, and accelerated admissions processes, as well as tuition benefits for employees. The closure will officially take place after nearly 180 years of service, highlighting the challenges faced by small private institutions in the region.
Newberry, South Carolina – In a show of solidarity, Newberry College has reached out to the Limestone University community following the announcement of the university’s impending closure at the end of the spring 2025 semester. This initiative aims to ensure continuity and comprehensive support for the approximately 1,600 students, faculty, and staff affected by this significant decision.
The closure of Limestone University, a historic institution founded in 1845, is primarily attributed to a $6 million budget shortfall, a challenge exacerbated by declining enrollment, rising operational costs, and decreased funding. On April 29, 2025, the Board of Trustees voted to discontinue all on-campus and online degree programs, affecting both students and employees, including the issuance of layoff notices to 478 faculty and staff members.
In response to this unfolding crisis, Newberry College has launched several support measures designed to facilitate the transition for those impacted. This includes guaranteed transfer credit for Limestone students who meet specific academic requirements, waived enrollment fees to ease financial burdens, and an expedited admissions process to streamline transitional logistics.
Support for Students
Newberry College’s commitment to assist Limestone students encompasses multiple benefits:
- Guaranteed transfer credit for completed courses, subject to maintaining a minimum GPA and passing grades.
- Waived enrollment fees to reduce financial strain during the transfer process.
- An accelerated admissions procedure to ensure a swift transition for students seeking new academic opportunities.
- Matching general institutional aid already awarded to Limestone students.
- Automatic commuter status for those preferring to remain off-campus.
Faculty and Staff Assistance
Newberry College has also pledged to support Limestone faculty and staff by:
- Honoring tuition remission benefits for Limestone employees and their eligible dependents to promote a smooth transition.
- Providing comparable access to tuition remission programs for individuals currently utilizing Limestone’s benefits for the 2025–2026 academic year.
Context of Closure
Limestone University, which transitioned from being the first women’s college in South Carolina to a coeducational institution, has served a notable role in the local economy, contributing approximately $150 million annually. Many of its students are first-generation college attendees, highlighting the institution’s impact on accessibility to higher education in the region. Despite efforts such as the “Together for Limestone” fundraising campaign, which raised $2.143 million, the financial needs of the university could not be met.
The impending closure will culminate in final commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 3, 2025, marking the end of an era for the university after nearly 180 years of educational service.
Other Institutional Support
In addition to Newberry College, several other institutions have responded to the needs of Limestone students:
- Erskine College is offering a special scholarship valued at $25,000.
- Coker University is providing guaranteed acceptance along with a housing grant.
- Young Harris College has extended automatic admission options.
- Columbia College is accepting all credits and offering lower tuition rates to ease financial concerns for transferring students.
This response highlights the broader challenges faced by small, private liberal arts institutions across the region, which are increasingly strained by financial pressures. Newberry College emphasizes that the initiatives are not merely about preserving academic progress, but about fostering dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging within the community.
As the Limestone University community navigates these uncertain times, the support from Newberry College and other institutions demonstrates a collective commitment to the resilience and future success of the students, faculty, and staff affected by this closure.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Newberry College Extends Support
- WYFF4: Limestone University Transfer Options
- University Herald: Limestone University’s Closure
- Wikipedia: Limestone University
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Limestone University
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