Francis Marion University vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than Limestone University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,807 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Francis Marion University vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or Limestone 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 Limestone University ($11,727 vs. $19,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 15.9% lower than at Limestone University ($9,432 vs. $11,210).
• Limestone University is 149.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $16,640 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29% higher at Limestone University than at Francis Marion University (about $6,256 more per year; $27,800.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Limestone University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Limestone University students is 79.4% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($21,504 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 80 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Francis Marion University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.47 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Limestone University (3.42).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Francis Marion University vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and Limestone 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 Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Limestone University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Limestone University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($27,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Limestone University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($281 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 36%)

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.