VSU vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

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

Valdosta State University is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

VSU vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 Valdosta State University than Francis Marion University ($11,144 vs. $11,727).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Francis Marion University are 1% lower than at Valdosta State University ($9,432 vs. $9,530).
• Francis Marion University is 82.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $5,036 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at Francis Marion University than at Valdosta State University (about $3,708 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at Valdosta State University (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 17.5% larger than aid received by Valdosta State University students ($11,988 vs. $10,206).

VSU vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State University (1010) is 20 points higher than at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.66 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at VSU (3.23).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than VSU (72.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

VSU vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than Francis Marion University's (42%).
• Graduates from Valdosta State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Valdosta State University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($25,000 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, VSU graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($258 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 41%)

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.