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Francis Marion University and South Carolina State University are both public institutions — Francis Marion University in Florence, SC and South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Florence, SC · Public
Acceptance rate: 86.4%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,628
Tuition: $21,544/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 43.4%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Florence, SC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
Orangeburg, SC · Public
Acceptance rate: 82.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 2,934
Tuition: $21,750/year
Student-faculty ratio: 19.0:1
Graduation rate: 36.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Security and law enforcement
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Orangeburg, SC with published program strength in Business and marketing and Biological sciences.
| Factor | Francis Marion University | South Carolina State University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 86.4% | 82.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 870–1115 |
| Not reported |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 16–24 | 17 average |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 2,628 | 2,934 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $21,544/year | $21,750/year |
| Average net price after aid | $11,386 | $18,097 |
| Graduation rate | 43.4% | 36.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $43,888 | $38,262 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 13.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Florence, SC | Orangeburg, SC |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Health professions, Psychology | Business and marketing, Biological sciences, Security and law enforcement |
South Carolina State University is more selective (82.6% vs 86.4% acceptance rate). Francis Marion University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($11,386 vs $18,097). Francis Marion University reports the higher graduation rate (43.4% vs 36.6%). South Carolina State University is the larger undergraduate campus (2,934 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
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Common questions when choosing between Francis Marion University and South Carolina State University
Francis Marion University has an acceptance rate of 86.4%; South Carolina State University is around 82.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Francis Marion University tuition is $21,544/year. South Carolina State University is $21,750/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
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