Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Francis Marion University at a Glance
Francis Marion University is a public university near Florence, South Carolina. It is named in honor of American Revolutionary War Brigadier General Francis Marion.
1970
56 years old
$166M
$165.5 million (22-23)
4,045
210
468 acres
Identity
Is Francis Marion University Worth It?
Francis Marion University offers moderate value at $11,386/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $43,888, which is 18% below average — meaning the financial payoff takes longer than typical. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 43% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 62% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
How Francis Marion University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #49 of 134 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #3 | Indiana University-Kokomo | 100 | $3,968 | $49,917 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | College of the Mainland | 100 | $1,342 | $39,639 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #49 | Francis Marion University | 42 | $11,386 | $43,888 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Francis Marion University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in SC.
Best Programs at Francis Marion University
The highest-earning program at Francis Marion University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $57,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $23,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Francis Marion University earns $57,000, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $23,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $26,346 in median debt vs. $31,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $11,386/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $57,000 | $57,000 | $26,346 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $35,600 | $35,600 | $31,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $29,900 | $29,900 | $36,843 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $28,400 | $28,400 | $28,999 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $26,500 | $26,500 | $35,979 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $24,000 | $24,000 | $31,000 |
| Biology, General | $24,000 | $24,000 | $31,000 |
| Sociology | $23,700 | $23,700 | $31,500 |
| Psychology, General | $23,500 | $23,500 | $31,000 |
Similar Colleges in SC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Florence, SC
- Student Body
- 2,628 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 43%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $11,386
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,888
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000