Edward Waters University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, FL 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 Edward Waters University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,177 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Edward Waters University is located in Jacksonville, FL (Large City setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Edward Waters University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Edward Waters University 14:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

Edward Waters University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Edward Waters 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 Edward Waters University ($11,727 vs. $12,029).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Edward Waters University are 9.1% lower than at Francis Marion University ($8,571 vs. $9,432).
• Edward Waters University is 46.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $5,206 more per year; $16,366.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.6% higher at Francis Marion University than at Edward Waters University (about $5,178 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $16,366.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Edward Waters University as at Francis Marion University (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Edward Waters University students is 21.7% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($14,588 vs. $11,988).

Edward Waters University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Edward Waters 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 Edward Waters University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 80 points higher than at Edward Waters University (910).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Edward Waters University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 820/990; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Edward Waters University 14/18; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Edward Waters University - Required; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 1.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Edward Waters University (2.64).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Edward Waters University (84.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3% at Edward Waters University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Edward Waters University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Edward Waters 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 Edward Waters University's (18%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Edward Waters University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $27,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Edward Waters University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 14%)

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.