Francis Marion University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Francis Marion University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University ($11,727 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 18.1% lower than at Bluefield State University ($9,432 vs. $11,512).
• Francis Marion University is 4.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $512 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.2% higher at Francis Marion University than at Bluefield State University (about $3,168 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Bluefield State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 22.2% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($11,988 vs. $9,814).

Francis Marion University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Francis Marion University or Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University and Francis Marion University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 10 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.48 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Francis Marion University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $12,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($19,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($196 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 30%)

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.