Francis Marion University's greatest strength lies in its commitment to educational affordability, with net prices that remain well below national averages across all income levels.
The university serves as an essential opportunity builder for South Carolina students, particularly those from first-generation and low-income backgrounds who need accessible pathways to higher education.
Francis Marion University ranks as an accessible public institution in South Carolina that emphasizes affordability and broad access over premium earnings outcomes. Azimuth places Francis Marion in the middle tier of public four-year institutions nationwide, reflecting its role as an opportunity-building university that serves students from diverse economic backgrounds. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants and about 36% are first-generation college students, demonstrating the university's commitment to educational access.
The institution's strongest asset is its affordability profile, with low-income students paying just $10,670 annually and middle-income families facing costs around $15,205 per year. While median earnings of $43,888 ten years after enrollment place Francis Marion below many peer institutions, the university provides a reliable pathway to degree completion and career entry, particularly in nursing and health fields where graduates see substantially higher earnings.
As a medium-sized public university in Florence, Francis Marion serves as an important regional institution that balances access with academic opportunity. The university's "Opportunity Builders" designation reflects its mission to provide educational pathways for students who might not otherwise attend college, even if long-term earnings don't reach the levels seen at more selective institutions.
Francis Marion University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a regional comprehensive institution serving diverse student needs. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as the university's strongest economic performer, with 64 graduates earning a median of $58,866 ten years after graduation, demonstrating how professional health programs can deliver substantial returns even at institutions with modest overall earnings profiles.
Biology represents the university's largest academic program with 61 graduates, though early-career earnings around $28,180 reflect the preparatory nature of many science degrees that often lead to graduate school or entry-level positions in healthcare and research. Psychology, with 60 graduates earning about $24,267, serves as another foundational program that prepares students for diverse career paths including social services, education, and graduate study.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical career preparation over research-intensive fields. Digital Marketing, though smaller with 22 graduates, produces competitive outcomes at $31,314, reflecting Francis Marion's efforts to develop programs aligned with regional economic needs. The concentration in health sciences, education, and business fields provides graduates with stable career pathways in South Carolina's economy, even if absolute earning potential remains more modest than at research universities.
Francis Marion University graduates earn a median of $43,888 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the lower tier nationally for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings are modest compared to flagship universities, they represent meaningful economic advancement for many students, particularly those from first-generation and low-income backgrounds who comprise a significant portion of the student body.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing program, where 64 graduates earn a median of $58,866 ten years out, demonstrating the value of professional health programs. Biology represents the largest program with 61 graduates earning around $28,180, while Psychology majors, despite strong enrollment of 60 students, see more modest early-career earnings around $24,267. Digital Marketing, though smaller with 22 graduates, produces competitive outcomes at $31,314 median earnings.
While Francis Marion's overall earnings profile is below national averages, the university provides reliable career preparation in key regional industries. The concentration in health sciences, education, and business fields aligns with local employment opportunities, offering graduates stable career pathways even if absolute earning potential is more limited than at research-intensive institutions.
Francis Marion University delivers strong affordability across all income levels, making higher education accessible to families throughout South Carolina. Low-income students pay approximately $10,670 annually, well below national averages for public institutions, while middle-income families face manageable costs around $15,205 per year. Even higher-income families see reasonable net prices at $17,623, creating predictable educational expenses that help families plan effectively.
Debt levels remain moderate and sustainable for most graduates. Typical students leave with about $27,000 in federal loan debt, which aligns with national patterns but represents a manageable burden given Francis Marion's focus on career preparation and regional employment opportunities. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,929, a relatively modest level that reflects the university's commitment to keeping family financial obligations reasonable.
The combination of low net prices and moderate debt levels creates a sustainable financial model for most Francis Marion families. While graduates may not achieve the highest earnings seen at more selective institutions, the university's affordability structure ensures that educational investments remain proportional to likely career outcomes, reducing financial stress for students and families throughout the college experience.
Francis Marion University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
