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Columbia College vs Francis Marion University

Columbia College is a private college in Columbia, SC. Francis Marion University is a public university in Florence, SC. Francis Marion University admits about 86% of applicants and Columbia College about 94%, making Francis Marion University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $11,386 a year at Francis Marion University after aid, and about $18,408 at Columbia College. About 45% of students graduate at Columbia College, compared with 43% at Francis Marion University. Ten years after enrolling, Francis Marion University alumni earn a median of about $43,888, against $41,338 for Columbia College.

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Columbia College

Columbia, SC · Private

Francis Marion University

Florence, SC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Columbia, SC
Florence, SC
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,343
2,628
Acceptance rate
94%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.09–3.59
3.23–3.73
SAT (middle 50%)
850–1140
870–1115
ACT (middle 50%)
14–18
16–24
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,408
$11,386
Full cost / yr
$35,258
$23,850
In-state tuition
$22,214
$11,160
Out-of-state tuition
$22,214
$21,544
Application fee
$0
$41
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,541
$9,723
$30k - $48k
$17,017
$9,449
$48k - $75k
$16,816
$11,582
$75k - $110k
$22,928
$13,788
Over $110k
$20,399
$17,435
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
43%
Freshman retention
60%
70%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$45,863
$36,304
Median earnings (10 yr)
$41,338
$43,888
Median debt at graduation
$22,750
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
54%
38%
First-generation students
41%
36%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Columbia College or Francis Marion University harder to get into?
Francis Marion University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 94% at Columbia College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Columbia College or Francis Marion University?
Francis Marion University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,386 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,408 at Columbia College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Columbia College and Francis Marion University?
Before aid, Francis Marion University costs about $23,850 a year and Columbia College about $35,258. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Columbia College or Francis Marion University?
Francis Marion University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,723 there, against about $17,541 at Columbia College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Columbia College or Francis Marion University?
Francis Marion University is the larger of the two, with about 2,628 undergraduates against 1,343 at Columbia College.
Does Columbia College or Francis Marion University have a better graduation rate?
Columbia College has the higher graduation rate, at about 45% against 43% at Francis Marion University.
Do graduates of Columbia College or Francis Marion University earn more?
Francis Marion University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,888 ten years after enrolling, against about $41,338 for Columbia College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Columbia College and Francis Marion University require SAT or ACT scores?
Columbia College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Francis Marion University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Columbia College and Francis Marion University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 850–1140 at Columbia College and 870–1115 at Francis Marion University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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