Francis Marion University vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

Francis Marion University vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or MBC? 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 MBC ($11,727 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 17.3% lower than at Mary Baldwin University ($9,432 vs. $11,411).
• Mary Baldwin University is 206% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $22,992 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.5% higher at MBC than at Francis Marion University (about $12,608 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Francis Marion University (99% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 134.7% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($28,135 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming MBC 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; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at MBC (3.57).

Francis Marion University vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and MBC? 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mary Baldwin University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, MBC graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More MBC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.