Head-to-head · 2026
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Union
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 1 wins for Francis Marion University, 5 for University of South Carolina-Union — University of South Carolina-Union 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-Union |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.64 | 10.45 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $11,386 | $8,065 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,888 ✓ | $33,699 |
| Acceptance rate | 86.4% | 62.2% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.4% | 47.6% ✓ |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $11,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,628 | 270 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1015 | — |
| Wins | 1 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Francis Marion University costs $3,321 more per year than University of South Carolina-Union ($11,386 vs $8,065). Francis Marion University graduates report $10,189 higher median earnings after ten years ($43,888 vs $33,699). On EduGradify's model that puts University of South Carolina-Union ahead on projected ROI (10.45 vs 9.64, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of South Carolina-Union) 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 62.2% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Union.
Frequently asked
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Union, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Francis Marion University or University of South Carolina-Union the better value?
University of South Carolina-Union has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.45 vs 9.64), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of South Carolina-Union is cheaper — average net price $8,065 per year vs $11,386 at Francis Marion University. The annual difference of $3,321 adds up to about $13,284 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Francis Marion University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $43,888 vs $33,699 at University of South Carolina-Union. The annual gap in the federal data is $10,189.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Union is more selective at 62.2% 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-Union reports B.