Columbia International University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University 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 Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 2,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia International University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International 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 Columbia International University ($11,727 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 21.1% lower than at Columbia International University ($9,432 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 150% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $16,740 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.5% higher at Columbia International University than at Francis Marion University (about $6,356 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Columbia International University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 41.9% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($17,009 vs. $11,988).

Columbia International University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International 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 Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is 100 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Columbia International University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Francis Marion University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 990/1195; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia International University 16/25; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Columbia International University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International 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).

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $9,500 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($21,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $98 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($222 vs. $320).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.