Head-to-head · 2026
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Lancaster
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for Francis Marion University, 4 for University of South Carolina-Lancaster — University of South Carolina-Lancaster 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 | Francis Marion University | University of South Carolina-Lancaster |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.64 | 10.06 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,386 | $9,801 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,888 ✓ | $39,426 |
| Acceptance rate | 86.4% | 83.4% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.4% ✓ | 24.7% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $9,616 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,628 | 668 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1015 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Francis Marion University costs $1,585 more per year than University of South Carolina-Lancaster ($11,386 vs $9,801). Francis Marion University graduates report $4,462 higher median earnings after ten years ($43,888 vs $39,426). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Lancaster ahead on projected ROI (10.06 vs 9.64, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Lancaster) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Francis Marion University is accessible at 86.4% acceptance versus 83.4% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Lancaster.
Frequently asked
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Lancaster, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Francis Marion University or University of South Carolina-Lancaster the better value?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.06 vs 9.64), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster is cheaper — average net price $9,801 per year vs $11,386 at Francis Marion University. The annual difference of $1,585 adds up to about $6,340 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Francis Marion University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $43,888 vs $39,426 at University of South Carolina-Lancaster. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,462.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Lancaster is more selective at 83.4% 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-Lancaster reports B.