Head-to-head · 2026
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina Aiken
Compare average net price ($11,386 at Francis Marion University; $11,641 at University of South Carolina Aiken), ROI score (9.64 vs 9.79), ten-year median earnings ($43,888 vs $45,603), and admissions selectivity (86.4% acceptance at Francis Marion University; 78.5% at University of South Carolina Aiken) using federal College Scorecard data. University of South Carolina Aiken has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of South Carolina Aiken 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 | Francis Marion University | University of South Carolina Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.64 | 9.79 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,386 ✓ | $11,641 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,888 | $45,603 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 86.4% | 78.5% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.4% ✓ | 39.9% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $24,275 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,628 | 2,962 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1015 | 1120 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina Aiken costs $255 more per year than Francis Marion University ($11,641 vs $11,386). University of South Carolina Aiken graduates report $1,715 higher median earnings after ten years ($45,603 vs $43,888). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina Aiken ahead on projected ROI (9.79 vs 9.64, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of South Carolina Aiken) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, Francis Marion University is accessible at 86.4% acceptance versus 78.5% (accessible) at University of South Carolina Aiken.
Frequently asked
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina Aiken, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Francis Marion University or University of South Carolina Aiken the better value?
University of South Carolina Aiken has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.79 vs 9.64), 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 $11,641 at University of South Carolina Aiken. The annual difference of $255 adds up to about $1,020 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina Aiken reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $45,603 vs $43,888 at Francis Marion University. The annual gap in the federal data is $1,715.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina Aiken is more selective at 78.5% 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. Francis Marion University reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina Aiken reports B.