Francis Marion University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

Francis Marion University is larger than WVSU based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 3,246 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Francis Marion University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Francis Marion University or WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University than Francis Marion University ($11,055 vs. $11,727).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 30.2% lower than at West Virginia State University ($9,432 vs. $13,522).
• Francis Marion University is 16.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $1,590 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.7% higher at Francis Marion University than at West Virginia State University (about $6,554 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at West Virginia State University (98% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 33.3% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($11,988 vs. $8,993).

Francis Marion University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 90 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 870/1115; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Francis Marion University 16/24; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Francis Marion University - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.65 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at Francis Marion University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Francis Marion University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Francis Marion University and WVSU? 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 West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia State University graduates have a $7,750 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($23,250 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, WVSU graduates have an estimated $80 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($240 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 35%)

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.