Why is Limestone University facing possible closure? Complete reason explained

Limestone University has been operating since 1845 in Gaffney, South Carolina. With almost 180 years of service behind, the doors to the university might close because of financial issues. In a meeting that was held on April 16, 2025, the students and staff were informed of possible online classes or permanent closure of the university. The university's Board of Trustees has also announced that nearly $6 million is immediately required to stabilize the institution.

The possible closure of the South Carolina university will impact thousands of students enrolled in the institution, and at least 300 employees. The chair of the Limestone University Board of Trustees, Randall Richardson, said:

"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... We are reaching out separately to students with information regarding options to continue their education"

He continued:

"The Board’s priority is to preserve the Limestone mission of education and service on our campus in addition to online. But without this financial lifeline, we will have no choice but to move all operations online, which means closing our physical campus."

Reasons why Limestone University might be closing down soon

As mentioned, Limestone University is facing financial issues, the sort that also affects many small, private colleges in the country.

A newsletter from Limestone University explained the reasons why the institution is facing shutdown issues, stating:

"The university’s financial challenges stem from a combination of nationwide enrollment declines, rising costs, and long-standing structural pressures facing small, private institutions. The proposed $6 million emergency fund will stabilize operations and give the university the opportunity to pursue long-term solutions that preserve its on-campus identity."

Another reason revealed by ProPublica, a nonprofit investigative journalism outlet, is that the university has been losing money at a rapid rate. According to the outlet, the university lost $12.6 million in the last school year (2022-'23). It is a big jump from the $2 million they were losing each year before that.

If the institution receives the required funding, it can work on long-term plans to secure the future of this South Carolina university.

Students and employees are worried about the fate of their institution. According to the Daily Mail, the doors of the university campus will be kept open till April 29, 2025. The university's Board will meet again on April 22, 2025, to discuss the next step for Limestone University.

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