Francis Marion University vs South Carolina State University
Francis Marion University is a public university in Florence, SC, and South Carolina State University is a public university in Orangeburg, SC. South Carolina State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% of applicants against 86% at Francis Marion University. Francis Marion University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,386 a year against $18,097 at South Carolina State University. About 43% of students graduate at Francis Marion University, compared with 33% at South Carolina State University. Ten years after enrolling, Francis Marion University alumni earn a median of about $43,888, against $38,262 for South Carolina State University.
At a glance
Type
Public
Public
Location
Florence, SC
Orangeburg, SC
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
2,628
2,934
Acceptance rate
86%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.26–3.76
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1115
800–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
16–24
15–19
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$11,386
$18,097
Full cost / yr
$23,850
$30,015
In-state tuition
$11,160
$11,060
Out-of-state tuition
$21,544
$21,750
Application fee
$41
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,723
$16,846
$30k - $48k
$9,449
$16,968
$48k - $75k
$11,582
$20,449
$75k - $110k
$13,788
$22,587
Over $110k
$17,435
$24,523
Outcomes
Graduation rate
43%
33%
Freshman retention
70%
56%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,304
$30,064
Median earnings (10 yr)
$43,888
$38,262
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$31,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
38%
70%
First-generation students
36%
36%
International students
3%
0%
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.
- Is Francis Marion University or South Carolina State University harder to get into?
- South Carolina State University is harder to get into. It admits about 83% of applicants, compared with 86% at Francis Marion University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Francis Marion University or South Carolina State University?
- Francis Marion University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,386 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,097 at South Carolina State University. 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 Francis Marion University and South Carolina State University?
- Before aid, Francis Marion University costs about $23,850 a year and South Carolina State University about $30,015. 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, Francis Marion University or South Carolina State University?
- Francis Marion University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,723 there, against about $16,846 at South Carolina State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Francis Marion University or South Carolina State University?
- South Carolina State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,934 undergraduates against 2,628 at Francis Marion University.
- Does Francis Marion University or South Carolina State University have a better graduation rate?
- Francis Marion University has the higher graduation rate, at about 43% against 33% at South Carolina State University.
- Do graduates of Francis Marion University or South Carolina State University earn more?
- Francis Marion University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $43,888 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,262 for South Carolina State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Francis Marion University and South Carolina State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Francis Marion University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. South Carolina State University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
- What SAT scores do Francis Marion University and South Carolina State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 870–1115 at Francis Marion University and 800–1050 at South Carolina State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Francis Marion University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaFrancis Marion University vs Furman UniversityFrancis Marion University vs Wofford CollegeSouth Carolina State University vs Citadel Military College of South CarolinaSouth Carolina State University vs Furman UniversitySouth Carolina State University vs Wofford College
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