Francis Marion University vs. MSU

Comparable Facts

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

Midwestern State University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (5,324 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Midwestern State University is in Wichita Falls, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Midwestern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Midwestern State University 18:1.

Francis Marion University vs. MSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or MSU? 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 Midwestern State University than Francis Marion University ($11,215 vs. $11,727).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 15.2% lower than at Midwestern State University ($9,432 vs. $11,124).
• Francis Marion University is 5.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU (about $580 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $10,580.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 71.9% higher at Francis Marion University than at Midwestern State University (about $9,014 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $12,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Midwestern State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 8.6% larger than aid received by Midwestern State University students ($11,988 vs. $11,037).

Francis Marion University vs. MSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Midwestern State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at MSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Midwestern State University 910/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Midwestern State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; MSU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.69 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at MSU (3.2).
• MSU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 12.9% at MSU.

Francis Marion University vs. MSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and MSU? 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 Midwestern State University's (34%).
• Graduates from Midwestern State University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,300 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Midwestern State University graduates have a $8,701 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($22,299 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU graduates have an estimated $90 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($230 vs. $320).
• More MSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.