Francis Marion University vs. Virginia Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than Virginia Union University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 1,646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Francis Marion University is located in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting); Virginia Union University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Francis Marion University 13:1; Virginia Union University 16:1.

Francis Marion University vs. Virginia Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Francis Marion University ($11,483 vs. $11,727).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 14.4% lower than at Virginia Union University ($9,432 vs. $11,016).
• Virginia Union University is 56.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $6,290 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.5% higher at Francis Marion University than at Virginia Union University (about $4,094 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Virginia Union University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 46.2% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($17,524 vs. $11,988).

Francis Marion University vs. Virginia Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 120 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; Virginia Union University 850/885.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; Virginia Union University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 1.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) 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 Virginia Union University.

Francis Marion University vs. Virginia Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University's (29%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Virginia Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($31,000 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($320 vs. $348).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 19%)

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.