Head-to-head · 2026
Coastal Carolina University vs Francis Marion University
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 5 wins for Coastal Carolina University, 2 for Francis Marion University — Coastal Carolina University 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 | Coastal Carolina University | Francis Marion University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.46 | 9.64 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $13,966 | $11,386 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $47,258 ✓ | $43,888 |
| Acceptance rate | 75.3% ✓ | 86.4% |
| Graduation rate | 48.5% ✓ | 43.4% |
| Median debt | $23,750 ✓ | $27,000 |
| Enrollment | 10,377 | 2,628 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1143 ✓ | 1015 |
| Wins | 5 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Coastal Carolina University costs $2,580 more per year than Francis Marion University ($13,966 vs $11,386). Coastal Carolina University graduates report $3,370 higher median earnings after ten years ($47,258 vs $43,888). On EduGradify's model that puts Francis Marion University ahead on projected ROI (9.64 vs 8.46, 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, Coastal Carolina University is accessible at 75.3% acceptance versus 86.4% (accessible) at Francis Marion University.
Frequently asked
Coastal Carolina University vs Francis Marion University, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Coastal Carolina University or Francis Marion University the better value?
Francis Marion University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.64 vs 8.46), 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 $13,966 at Coastal Carolina University. The annual difference of $2,580 adds up to about $10,320 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Coastal Carolina University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $47,258 vs $43,888 at Francis Marion University. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,370.
Which school is harder to get into?
Coastal Carolina University is more selective at 75.3% 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. Coastal Carolina University reports a B value grade; Francis Marion University reports B.