Francis Marion University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Francis Marion University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or Ferrum College? 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 Ferrum College ($11,727 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 28.7% lower than at Ferrum College ($9,432 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 155.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $17,360 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 32.4% higher at Ferrum College than at Francis Marion University (about $6,976 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University as at Ferrum College (98% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 187.3% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($34,444 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is the same as at Ferrum College (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Ferrum College 880/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.75 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Francis Marion University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and Ferrum College? 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 Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($28,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Ferrum College graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($289 vs. $320).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.