Francis Marion University vs. South Carolina State University

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than South Carolina State University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 3,242 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); South Carolina State University is in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; South Carolina State University 19:1.

Francis Marion University vs. South Carolina State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University ($11,727 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 4.6% lower than at Francis Marion University ($9,000 vs. $9,432).
• Francis Marion University is 0.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than South Carolina State University (about $100 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $11,060.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1% higher at South Carolina State University than at Francis Marion University (about $206 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at South Carolina State University (98% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 3.5% larger than aid received by South Carolina State University students ($11,988 vs. $11,579).

Francis Marion University vs. South Carolina State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Francis Marion University or South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University and Francis Marion University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 60 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; South Carolina State University 800/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; South Carolina State University 15/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; South Carolina State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.72 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 11.4% at South Carolina State University.

Francis Marion University vs. South Carolina State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University's (35%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have a $2,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($31,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($320 vs. $343).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University 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.