Columbus State vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbus State University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (7,913 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbus State University is located in Columbus, GA (Midsize City setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Columbus 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: Columbus State University 16:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

Columbus State vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbus State 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 Columbus State ($11,727 vs. $12,420).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 19.5% lower than at Columbus State University ($9,432 vs. $11,720).
• Francis Marion University is 89.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbus State (about $5,262 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $5,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.3% higher at Francis Marion University than at Columbus State University (about $3,934 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $17,610.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Columbus State University (98% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 33.2% larger than aid received by Columbus State University students ($11,988 vs. $9,003).

Columbus State vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbus State 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 Columbus State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 60 points higher than at Columbus State (930).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Columbus State).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 800/1060; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbus State University 16/22; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbus State - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbus State Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.82 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Columbus State (3.07).
• Columbus State has a higher acceptance rate (99.1%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.8% at Columbus State vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Columbus State vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbus State 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 Columbus State University's (31%).
• Graduates from Columbus State University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,400 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbus State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($26,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbus State graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($268 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbus State students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 37%)

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.