Francis Marion University vs. VSU

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia State University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Francis Marion University vs. VSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or VSU? 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 VSU ($11,727 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 29.4% lower than at Virginia State University ($9,432 vs. $13,355).
• Francis Marion University is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $1,117 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.1% higher at VSU than at Francis Marion University (about $1,106 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Virginia State University (98% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 3.8% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($12,447 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. VSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 30 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Virginia State University 840/1070.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; Virginia State University 14/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; VSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 1.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at VSU (2.85).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 14.3% at VSU.

Francis Marion University vs. VSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and VSU? 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 Virginia State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Virginia 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, Virginia State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($29,500 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($305 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 28%)

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.