AU vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, SC with Francis Marion University in Florence, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (4,710 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, SC (Small City setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 13:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

AU vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, AU or Francis Marion University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Francis Marion University than AU ($11,727 vs. $24,434).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 25.8% lower than at Anderson University ($9,432 vs. $12,720).
• Anderson University is 213.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $23,810 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.3% higher at AU than at Francis Marion University (about $13,426 more per year; $34,970.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University as at Francis Marion University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 116.6% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($25,969 vs. $11,988).

AU vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, AU or Francis Marion University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Francis Marion University and AU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1190) is 200 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming AU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 20 at Francis Marion University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 1100/1280; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 22/29; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: AU - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at AU (3.72).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than AU (54.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.5% at AU vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

AU vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for AU and Francis Marion University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,500 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Anderson University graduates have a $4,138 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($26,862 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($277 vs. $320).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (60% vs. 42%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.