About Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University draws nearly all its 2,640 students from within South Carolina, with 97% coming from in-state. The university has built its reputation around strong nursing and health science programs that serve the rural Pee Dee region. Students appreciate the small-town feel of Florence combined with personal attention from faculty. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio allows professors to know students by name. Founded in 1957, the university has grown into a regional anchor for professional education and community engagement.
Students pay an average net price of $13,451 after financial aid, making it an affordable option for South Carolina families. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $43,888 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given regional salary levels. Low-income families pay just $10,670 net price, making college accessible to students from all backgrounds.
The student body is 64% women and diverse, with 38% Black students and 47% White students. Retention struggles at 69%, and only 41% graduate within four years, suggesting students need strong support systems to succeed. The Patriots compete in NCAA Division II, offering 13 varsity sports that build campus community.
Students pay an average net price of $13,451 after financial aid, making it an affordable option for South Carolina families. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $43,888 ten years after graduation with typical debt of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given regional salary levels. Low-income families pay just $10,670 net price, making college accessible to students from all backgrounds.
The student body is 64% women and diverse, with 38% Black students and 47% White students. Retention struggles at 69%, and only 41% graduate within four years, suggesting students need strong support systems to succeed. The Patriots compete in NCAA Division II, offering 13 varsity sports that build campus community.
Academics & Faculty
Francis Marion University builds its reputation around nursing and education programs that prepare students for in-demand careers in South Carolina. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes where professors know their students personally. However, the 42.7% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The university emphasizes practical, career-focused education rather than theoretical research. Nursing students benefit from clinical partnerships with regional hospitals. Education majors often stay in South Carolina after graduation, filling teaching positions in rural districts. The 69.2% retention rate indicates that while some students transfer or leave, most who stay beyond freshman year find their academic fit. Programs focus on preparing graduates for jobs in healthcare, education, and business.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 68.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.7%
- Retention Rate
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,888
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,964 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,866 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,426 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,649 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $33,993 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $31,314 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,157 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,443 |
Campus Life
Francis Marion sits in Florence, about 90 minutes from both Columbia and Charleston, giving students access to bigger cities without urban distractions. With housing for 1,539 students and total enrollment of 2,640, roughly 58% of students live on campus. The rural-fringe setting means you'll find plenty of green space and a close-knit community feel.
South Carolina's climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 278 athletes across 13 varsity sports, Patriots athletics provide weekend entertainment, especially during basketball season. The student body is 64% female and nearly 98% in-state, creating a homegrown atmosphere where many students know each other from high school or mutual connections. Weekend activities often center around campus events, intramural sports, or trips to nearby Florence's shopping and dining scene. The strong nursing and education programs create a study-focused culture during weekdays.
South Carolina's climate means you'll need sunscreen more than winter coats, with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know your name. With 278 athletes across 13 varsity sports, Patriots athletics provide weekend entertainment, especially during basketball season. The student body is 64% female and nearly 98% in-state, creating a homegrown atmosphere where many students know each other from high school or mutual connections. Weekend activities often center around campus events, intramural sports, or trips to nearby Florence's shopping and dining scene. The strong nursing and education programs create a study-focused culture during weekdays.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Housing Capacity
- 1,539 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1957
Campus Safety (2023)
19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 34°–55°F
- July Avg
- 71°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.5"
Student Demographics
Francis Marion draws students primarily from across South Carolina, with 97% coming from in-state. The student body is diverse, with Black students making up over a third of enrollment alongside a significant white population. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. Many students come from working-class backgrounds, as nearly 40% receive Pell Grants. This creates a campus community rooted in South Carolina's local communities, where students often pursue practical career paths in healthcare and teaching that serve their home regions.
- Men
- 35.8%
- Women
- 64.2%
- White
- 47.4%
- Black
- 37.5%
- Hispanic
- 5.5%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 97.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 38.8%
Location
Francis Marion University sits in Florence, South Carolina, about 80 miles east of Columbia and 90 miles northwest of Charleston. The campus serves a rural-fringe community in the Pee Dee region of eastern South Carolina. Florence functions as a regional center for healthcare and transportation, with the university drawing 97% of its students from within South Carolina. The area offers a small-town atmosphere while providing access to internships at regional medical centers and businesses. Students enjoy moderate costs of living, with on-campus room and board totaling $8,898 annually. The setting appeals to those seeking a close-knit campus experience without urban distractions. Students considering colleges in South Carolina may also compare Francis Marion University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Florence, South Carolina 29506
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,888
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,775
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Francis Marion University?
Francis Marion University accepts 82.91% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1007. The school makes college accessible to students from across South Carolina, as evidenced by its 97.11% in-state enrollment rate.
How much does Francis Marion University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $13,451 annually after aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $10,670. About 38.84% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median debt upon graduation is $27,000.
What academic programs is Francis Marion University known for?
Francis Marion University has built a strong reputation for its nursing and education programs since its founding in 1957. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that supports these career-focused fields.
What are the graduation rates at Francis Marion University?
Francis Marion University graduates 40.93% of students in four years and 42.70% within six years. Alumni earn a median salary of $43,888 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 95.9%.
Where is Francis Marion University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in rural Florence, South Carolina, with housing capacity for 1,539 students among its 2,640 total enrollment. The Patriots compete in NCAA Division II with 13 varsity sports and 278 total athletes.
What is the student body composition at Francis Marion University?
Women make up 64.20% of the student body, while men represent 35.80%. The diverse campus includes 47.42% White students and 37.50% Black students, reflecting South Carolina's demographics with nearly all students coming from in-state.
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