Francis Marion University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Norfolk State University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (6,053 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Norfolk State University is in Norfolk, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Norfolk State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Norfolk State University 15:1.

Francis Marion University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or NSU? 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 Norfolk State University than Francis Marion University ($9,124 vs. $11,727).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 18.6% lower than at Norfolk State University ($9,432 vs. $11,591).
• Francis Marion University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $980 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $10,180.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.6% higher at NSU than at Francis Marion University (about $138 more per year; $21,682.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Norfolk State University (98% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Norfolk State University students is 25.6% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($15,056 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 60 points higher than at NSU (930).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Norfolk State University 823/1030.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Norfolk State University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: NSU May 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.99 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at NSU (2.9).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (87.8%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 13.2% at NSU.

Francis Marion University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and NSU? 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 Norfolk State University's (33%).
• Graduates from Norfolk State University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Norfolk State University and Francis Marion University graduates have the same median loan debt ($31,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Norfolk State University and Francis Marion University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($320 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 27%)

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.