Clayton State University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

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

Clayton State University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (6,163 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clayton State University is located in Morrow, GA (Large Suburban setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Clayton State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clayton State University 20:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

Clayton State University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clayton State 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 Clayton State University than Francis Marion University ($8,192 vs. $11,727).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 22.9% lower than at Clayton State University ($9,432 vs. $12,226).
• Francis Marion University is 115.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clayton State University (about $5,980 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $5,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.3% higher at Francis Marion University than at Clayton State University (about $5,012 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $16,532.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Clayton State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Clayton State University students ($11,988 vs. $9,444).

Clayton State University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clayton State 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 Clayton State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 20 points higher than at Clayton State University (970).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Clayton State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 860/1078; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clayton State University 15/19; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clayton State University - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Clayton State University Jul 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.89 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Clayton State University (3.0).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Clayton State University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 40.5% at Clayton State University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Clayton State University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clayton State 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 Clayton State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Clayton State University earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($27,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Clayton State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($284 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clayton State University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 35%)

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.