GWU vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Gardner Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC with Francis Marion University in Florence, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Francis Marion University is larger than GWU based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 3,104 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gardner Webb University is located in Boiling Springs, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Gardner Webb University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Gardner Webb University 12:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

GWU vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GWU or Francis Marion 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 GWU ($11,727 vs. $20,016).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 17.3% lower than at Gardner Webb University ($9,432 vs. $11,410).
• Gardner Webb University is 211.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $23,600 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.3% higher at GWU than at Francis Marion University (about $13,216 more per year; $34,760.00 vs. $21,544.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Gardner Webb University than at Francis Marion University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Gardner Webb University students is 126% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($27,088 vs. $11,988).

GWU vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gardner Webb University (1090) is 100 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming GWU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Francis Marion University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 975/1198; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gardner Webb University 19/25; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GWU - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at GWU (3.74).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than GWU (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.2% at GWU vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

GWU vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GWU and Francis Marion 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).

• Gardner Webb University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Gardner Webb University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,500 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gardner Webb University graduates have a $6,031 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($24,969 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, GWU graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($258 vs. $320).
• More GWU 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.