Francis Marion University vs. AU

Comparable Facts

Compare Francis Marion University in Florence, SC with Averett University in Danville, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Francis Marion University is larger than AU based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,476 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Averett University is in Danville, VA (Small City setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Averett University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Averett University 16:1.

Francis Marion University vs. AU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or AU? 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 AU ($11,727 vs. $23,471).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 35.1% lower than at Averett University ($9,432 vs. $14,530).
• Averett University is 245.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $27,390 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.9% higher at AU than at Francis Marion University (about $17,006 more per year; $38,550.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Averett University than at Francis Marion University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Averett University students is 150.2% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($29,998 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. AU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Francis Marion University or AU? 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 AU and Francis Marion University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Averett University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming AU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Francis Marion University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Averett University 926/1143.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Averett University 15/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; AU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.82 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at AU (3.07).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than AU (56.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 18.1% at AU.

Francis Marion University vs. AU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and AU? 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 Averett University's (41%).
• Graduates from Averett University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,400 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Averett University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, AU graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($258 vs. $320).
• More AU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (51% 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.