Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 42.7%
- Retention Rate
- 69.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $43,888
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 40.8%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $101,964 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $58,866 | $25,500 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,426 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $38,649 | $20,557 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $33,993 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $26,948 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $30,157 | $28,780 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $28,598 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $28,443 | $28,250 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $28,180 | $27,000 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $26,585 | $39,981 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,774 | $30,632 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $25,194 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $24,615 | $31,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Francis Marion graduates earn a median of $43,888 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 62% based on the typical $27,000 in student loans. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 7.8% of gross income, which sits near the recommended threshold of 8%. The university's strong nursing and education programs funnel graduates into stable healthcare and teaching careers that offer job security despite modest starting salaries. An employment rate of 95.9% shows graduates find work consistently. However, the 42.7% six-year graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without completing degrees. For students who finish their programs, Francis Marion delivers an average return on investment with reliable career prospects.