At $13,451/yr net price, Francis Marion University graduates earn $43,888/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,888/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,451 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,804 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,888/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,888/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 42.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,670/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,892/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,205/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,514/yr |
| $110,001+ | $17,623/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
42.7% of students at Francis Marion University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Francis Marion University delivers solid financial value for nursing students but mixed returns elsewhere. The nursing program stands out with graduates earning over $100,000 annually, making it one of the strongest ROI programs in South Carolina. This represents strong value given the school's $13,451 annual net price.
Business majors face tougher prospects. Accounting graduates earn $38,649 with $20,557 in debt, while finance majors start at $37,208. These figures lag behind state and national averages for business programs. The 42.7% graduation rate amplifies financial risk, meaning nearly six out of ten students accumulate debt without completing their degree.
You should consider Francis Marion if you're pursuing nursing or can secure significant financial aid. The low sticker price helps, but the completion risk means you need strong academic preparation. Avoid this school for business programs unless you have clear career connections in the Florence region or plan to transfer credits elsewhere.
The 69% retention rate signals academic support challenges that could extend your time to graduation. With only 39% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships appear limited. Your best financial strategy involves maximizing state aid and completing your program quickly to minimize the risk of dropping out with debt but no degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Francis Marion University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Francis Marion University offers a relatively low net price at $13,451 per year, but graduates earn only $43,888 after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 42.7% graduation rate is concerning and suggests many students don't complete their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Francis Marion University?
Nursing programs at Francis Marion University offer the strongest return on investment, with some nursing specializations earning over $100,000 annually. Other majors like accounting ($38,649) and finance ($37,208) provide modest returns given the investment.
How much debt do Francis Marion University graduates typically have?
Francis Marion University graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $43,888, graduates may still struggle with debt payments depending on their chosen field.
Should I attend Francis Marion University if I'm not studying nursing?
Francis Marion University's value drops significantly outside of nursing programs, where most other majors earn under $45,000 annually. The low graduation rate of 42.7% also means there's a high risk of not completing your degree at all.