Claflin University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Claflin University in Orangeburg, 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 Claflin University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Claflin University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Claflin University 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 Claflin University ($11,727 vs. $17,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 0.5% lower than at Claflin University ($9,432 vs. $9,480).
• Claflin University is 63.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $7,122 more per year; $18,282.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.8% higher at Francis Marion University than at Claflin University (about $3,262 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $18,282.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Claflin University as at Francis Marion University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Claflin University students is 38.4% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($16,596 vs. $11,988).

Claflin University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Claflin University 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 Claflin University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 50 points higher than at Claflin University (940).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Claflin University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 840/1040; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Claflin University 16/18; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Claflin University - Test-free; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Claflin University (3.28).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Claflin University (64.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.3% at Claflin University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Claflin University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Claflin University 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 Claflin University's (40%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Claflin University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have a $1,184 lower median loan debt than Claflin University graduates ($31,000 vs. $32,184).
• Among borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Claflin University graduates ($320 vs. $332).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Claflin University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 25%)

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.