One of South Carolina’s last remaining fully Christian liberal arts college just announced plans to close their doors.
Gaffney, SC’s Limestone University said they need to ‘move fully online’ unless they’re able to secure $6 million in emergency funding.
After a meeting on Wednesday, the school’s Board of Trustees cited “financial uncertainty” as the reason for the potential closure. The board said it will consider transitioning to a fully online model or beginning the shutdown process if immediate financial support is not secured.
“I’m just a bit scared,” said Limestone sophomore Annabelle Dougherty in an interview with Fox News.
Nearly 500 layoffs pending as Limestone University on brink of shutdown https://t.co/87A0fSgwh3
— FOX Carolina News (@foxcarolinanews) April 20, 2025
Founded in 1845, the private university in Cherokee County has played a central role in the community, contributing an estimated $150 million annually to the local economy. A closure would impact local jobs, campus-based education, and the cultural presence Limestone has maintained for nearly two centuries.
“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 in a press release. “We are reaching out separately to students with information regarding options to continue their education.”
A final decision will be made when the Board of Trustees reconvenes on April 22 to determine next steps.