Head-to-head · 2026
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie
Compare average net price ($11,386 at Francis Marion University; $9,229 at University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie), ROI score (9.64 vs 8.49), ten-year median earnings ($43,888 vs $31,360), and admissions selectivity (86.4% acceptance at Francis Marion University; 76% at University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie) using federal College Scorecard data. The metric count is evenly split at 3-3. Francis Marion University 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-Salkehatchie |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.64 ✓ | 8.49 |
| Avg net price | $11,386 | $9,229 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,888 ✓ | $31,360 |
| Acceptance rate | 86.4% | 76% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.4% ✓ | 30.4% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,628 | 271 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1015 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Francis Marion University costs $2,157 more per year than University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie ($11,386 vs $9,229). Francis Marion University graduates report $12,528 higher median earnings after ten years ($43,888 vs $31,360). On EduGradify's model that puts Francis Marion University ahead on projected ROI (9.64 vs 8.49, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (Francis Marion University) 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 76% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie.
Frequently asked
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Francis Marion University or University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie the better value?
Francis Marion University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.64 vs 8.49), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie is cheaper — average net price $9,229 per year vs $11,386 at Francis Marion University. The annual difference of $2,157 adds up to about $8,628 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Francis Marion University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $43,888 vs $31,360 at University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie. The annual gap in the federal data is $12,528.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie is more selective at 76% 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-Salkehatchie reports B.