Paine College vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Paine College in Augusta, GA 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 Paine College based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Paine College is located in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Paine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Paine College 11:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

Paine College vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Paine College 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 Paine College ($11,727 vs. $15,935).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Paine College are 20.4% lower than at Francis Marion University ($7,512 vs. $9,432).
• Paine College is 30.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $3,436 more per year; $14,596.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.6% higher at Francis Marion University than at Paine College (about $6,948 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $14,596.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Paine College than at Francis Marion University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Paine College students is 1.3% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($12,145 vs. $11,988).

Paine College vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Paine College 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 Paine College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Francis Marion University (990) is 110 points higher than at Paine College (880).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 17 at Paine College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 776/976; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 15/19; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Paine College - Test-free; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Paine College Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 1.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Paine College (2.81).
• Paine College has a higher acceptance rate (95.4%) than Francis Marion University (86.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.6% at Paine College vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Paine College vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Paine College 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).

• Francis Marion University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Paine College's (27%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Paine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $28,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have a $4,750 lower median loan debt than Paine College graduates ($31,000 vs. $35,750).
• Among borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Paine College graduates ($320 vs. $369).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Paine College students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 15%)

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.