Head-to-head · 2026
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs Francis Marion University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for Citadel Military College of South Carolina, 2 for Francis Marion University — Citadel Military College of South Carolina has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | Francis Marion University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.70 | 9.64 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,723 | $11,386 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $72,085 ✓ | $43,888 |
| Acceptance rate | 22.7% ✓ | 86.4% |
| Graduation rate | 75% ✓ | 43.4% |
| Median debt | $21,096 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 2,705 | 2,628 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1208 ✓ | 1015 |
| Wins | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Citadel Military College of South Carolina costs $9,337 more per year than Francis Marion University ($20,723 vs $11,386). Citadel Military College of South Carolina graduates report $28,197 higher median earnings after ten years ($72,085 vs $43,888). On EduGradify's model that puts Francis Marion University ahead on projected ROI (9.64 vs 8.70, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Francis Marion University) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Citadel Military College of South Carolina is selective at 22.7% acceptance versus 86.4% (accessible) at Francis Marion University.
Frequently asked
Citadel Military College of South Carolina vs Francis Marion University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Citadel Military College of South Carolina or Francis Marion University the better value?
Francis Marion University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.64 vs 8.70), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Francis Marion University is cheaper — average net price $11,386 per year vs $20,723 at Citadel Military College of South Carolina. The annual difference of $9,337 adds up to about $37,348 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $72,085 vs $43,888 at Francis Marion University. The annual gap in the federal data is $28,197.
Which school is harder to get into?
Citadel Military College of South Carolina is more selective at 22.7% acceptance vs 86.4% at Francis Marion University.
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. Citadel Military College of South Carolina reports a B value grade; Francis Marion University reports B.