Shaw University vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare Shaw University in Raleigh, 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 Shaw University based on total student enrollment (4,112 students vs. 964 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Shaw University is located in Raleigh, NC (Large City setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Shaw University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Shaw University 14:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

Shaw University vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Shaw University 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 Shaw University ($11,727 vs. $16,445).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shaw University are 2.4% lower than at Francis Marion University ($9,210 vs. $9,432).
• Shaw University is 57.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Francis Marion University (about $6,378 more per year; $17,538.00 vs. $11,160.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.8% higher at Francis Marion University than at Shaw University (about $4,006 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $17,538.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Shaw University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shaw University students is 20.3% larger than aid received by Francis Marion University students ($14,417 vs. $11,988).

Shaw University vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Shaw University 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 Shaw University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFrancis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFrancis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Shaw University - Test-free; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Shaw University Jul 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 1.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at Shaw University (2.6).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than Shaw University (80.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 4.1% at Shaw University vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

Shaw University vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Shaw University 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 Shaw University's (27%).
• Graduates from Francis Marion University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Shaw University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,200 vs. $29,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than Shaw University graduates ($31,000 vs. $38,000).
• Among borrowers, Francis Marion University graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Shaw University graduates ($320 vs. $392).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shaw University 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.