EIU vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with Francis Marion University in Florence, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

EIU vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 EIU ($11,727 vs. $13,787).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 23.2% lower than at Eastern Illinois University ($9,432 vs. $12,282).
• Eastern Illinois University is 22.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $2,519 more per year; $13,679.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.8% higher at Francis Marion University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $5,327 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Eastern Illinois University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Illinois University students is 8.1% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($12,960 vs. $11,988).

EIU vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Illinois University (990) is the same as at Francis Marion University (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFrancis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at EIU (3.39).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

EIU vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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).

• Eastern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Eastern Illinois University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,500 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Illinois University graduates have a $7,350 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($23,650 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, EIU graduates have an estimated $76 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($244 vs. $320).
• More EIU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.