Head-to-head · 2026
Aiken Technical College vs Francis Marion University
Compare average net price ($4,807 at Aiken Technical College; $11,386 at Francis Marion University), ROI score (20.40 vs 9.64), ten-year median earnings ($39,225 vs $43,888), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Aiken Technical College; 86.4% at Francis Marion University) using federal College Scorecard data. Aiken Technical College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Aiken Technical College leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Aiken Technical College | Francis Marion University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 20.40 ✓ | 9.64 |
| Avg net price | $4,807 ✓ | $11,386 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $39,225 | $43,888 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 86.4% |
| Graduation rate | 33.5% | 43.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $12,250 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 1,925 | 2,628 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1015 |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Francis Marion University costs $6,579 more per year than Aiken Technical College ($11,386 vs $4,807). Francis Marion University graduates report $4,663 higher median earnings after ten years ($43,888 vs $39,225). On EduGradify's model that puts Aiken Technical College ahead on projected ROI (20.40 vs 9.64, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Aiken Technical College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Francis Marion University reports 86.4% acceptance; Aiken Technical College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Aiken Technical College vs Francis Marion University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Aiken Technical College or Francis Marion University the better value?
Aiken Technical College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (20.40 vs 9.64), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Aiken Technical College is cheaper — average net price $4,807 per year vs $11,386 at Francis Marion University. The annual difference of $6,579 adds up to about $26,316 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Francis Marion University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $43,888 vs $39,225 at Aiken Technical College. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,663.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Aiken Technical College reports a A+ value grade; Francis Marion University reports B.