CSU vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Charleston Southern University in Charleston, 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 CSU based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 3,832 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

CSU vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 CSU ($11,727 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 22.7% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($9,432 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 191.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $21,360 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 50.9% higher at CSU than at Francis Marion University (about $10,976 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University as at Francis Marion University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 93.9% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($23,240 vs. $11,988).

CSU vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 60 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming CSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Francis Marion University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

CSU vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Charleston Southern University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, CSU graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (50% 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.