Head-to-head · 2026
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Upstate
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 3 wins for Francis Marion University, 4 for University of South Carolina-Upstate — University of South Carolina-Upstate 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-Upstate |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 9.64 ✓ | 8.96 |
| Avg net price | $11,386 ✓ | $13,557 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $43,888 | $48,587 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 86.4% | 67.3% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 43.4% ✓ | 43% |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $22,310 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 2,628 | 4,038 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1015 | 1099 ✓ |
| Wins | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of South Carolina-Upstate costs $2,171 more per year than Francis Marion University ($13,557 vs $11,386). University of South Carolina-Upstate graduates report $4,699 higher median earnings after ten years ($48,587 vs $43,888). On EduGradify's model that puts Francis Marion University ahead on projected ROI (9.64 vs 8.96, 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, Francis Marion University is accessible at 86.4% acceptance versus 67.3% (accessible) at University of South Carolina-Upstate.
Frequently asked
Francis Marion University vs University of South Carolina-Upstate, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Francis Marion University or University of South Carolina-Upstate the better value?
Francis Marion University has the higher EduGradify ROI score (9.64 vs 8.96), 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 $13,557 at University of South Carolina-Upstate. The annual difference of $2,171 adds up to about $8,684 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of South Carolina-Upstate reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $48,587 vs $43,888 at Francis Marion University. The annual gap in the federal data is $4,699.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of South Carolina-Upstate is more selective at 67.3% 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. Francis Marion University reports a B value grade; University of South Carolina-Upstate reports B.