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Francis Marion University

Florence, SC·Public·2,628 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. earnings-to-debt ratio is tight. a public school with 2,628 students.

86%
Accept
2,628
Students
$11,386
Net Price
43%
Grad Rate
$36,900
Earnings
10 yr
$27,000
Debt

About This School

Francis Marion University is a public institution located in Florence, South Carolina with approximately 2,628 undergraduate students enrolled. Francis Marion University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 86%. The average net price after financial aid is $11,386 per year. The graduation rate is 43%, and the typical graduate earns $36,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Francis Marion University is a public university near Florence, South Carolina. It is named in honor of American Revolutionary War Brigadier General Francis Marion.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $13,451/year average net price, this is one of the more affordable public university options in the Southeast, and the median debt of $15,617 at graduation is genuinely manageable. The concern worth taking seriously is the 43% graduation rate — meaning fewer than half of students who start here finish — and median earnings of $36,900 a decade out suggest limited economic lift for many graduates. Worth considering if cost is your primary driver and you have a clear plan to stay enrolled, but look hard at whether your intended program has stronger completion and outcome numbers than the university average.

Founded
1957
Setting
Fringe rural
Avg Faculty Salary
$8,506

Popular Programs

Health Professions21%
Business & Marketing20%
Biological Sciences13%
Psychology11%
Social Sciences6%
Education6%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Engineering3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Josh Turner

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1015
Reading 75th %ile575
Math 75th %ile540

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite19

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$11,160
Out-of-State Tuition
$21,544
Avg Net Price
$11,386
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$9,723
$30–48k$9,449
$48–75k$11,582
$75–110k$13,788
$110k+$17,435

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants38%
Median debt at graduation$27,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
43%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$36,500
Female graduates$29,600

Gap: 19% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$36,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.4x

Worth scrutinizing. Median earnings relative to debt are tight.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White46%
Black38%
Hispanic/Latino7%
Asian1%
Two or more races4%
International3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,628 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Francis Marion University

4822 East Palmetto Street

Florence, SC 29506

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in South Carolina

Browse all South Carolina schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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