Benedict College vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than Benedict College based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,691 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Benedict College vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College 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 Benedict College ($11,727 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 24.2% lower than at Francis Marion University ($7,146 vs. $9,432).
• Benedict College is 56.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $6,280 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at Francis Marion University than at Benedict College (about $4,104 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Benedict College (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 11.2% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($13,335 vs. $11,988).

Benedict College vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College 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 Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 70 points higher than at Benedict College (920).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Benedict College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Benedict College vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College 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).

• Francis Marion University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $11,200 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have a $11,898 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($31,000 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have an estimated $123 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($320 vs. $443).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 13%)

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.