Francis Marion University vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

Francis Marion University vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University ($11,727 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 14.3% lower than at Tusculum University ($9,432 vs. $11,000).
• Tusculum University is 162.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $18,090 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.8% higher at Tusculum University than at Francis Marion University (about $7,706 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Tusculum University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 98.2% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($23,759 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Tusculum 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 Tusculum University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.71 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

Francis Marion University vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and Tusculum 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Tusculum University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($27,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, Tusculum University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($279 vs. $320).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Francis Marion University students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.