University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) vs FMU-Florence

When it comes to higher education in South Carolina, University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) and Francis Marion University (FMU) stand out as two excellent options. Both institutions offer a wide range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal growth. However, there are some key differences between the two universities that prospective students should consider. USCB has a higher acceptance rate and a smaller student body, while FMU has a higher graduation rate and a more diverse student population. Additionally, USCB is known for its strong programs in marine science and environmental studies, while FMU is known for its strong programs in business and education. To help you make an informed decision about which university is the best fit for you, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison table that highlights the key differences between USCB and FMU. Dive in and explore the data to find the institution that aligns with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Francis Marion University logo

Francis Marion University

University of South Carolina Beaufort logo

University of South Carolina Beaufort

Overview

Location Florence, South Carolina Bluffton, South Carolina
Campus setting Suburb: Small Town: Fringe
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 66.0% 58.0%
Common app member No No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 86.1% 83.7%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $41

Graduate: $41
Undergraduate: $40

Graduate: $40
SAT range 930 - 1120 N/A
ACT range 15 - 22 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 20.0%
Students submitting ACT score 19.0%
Total number of applicants 3,028 2,193
Total number of admissions given out 2,608 1,836
Admitted students who chose to enroll 699 424
Yield rate 26.8% 23.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $24,351

Out of state: $34,735
In state: $25,799

Out of state: $36,845
Average net price $13,299 $15,896
Tuition
In state: $10,384

Out of state: $20,768
In state: $10,344

Out of state: $21,390
Room & board $8,230
Room/dormitory: $5,480

Meal plan: $2,960
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

98.0%
Average amount $10,192
91.0%
Average amount $7,622
Students receiving federal student loan 59.0%
Average amount $5,579
62.0%
Average amount $5,112
Students taking out private loans 4.0%
Average amount $7,593
8.0%
Average amount $11,551

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 3,475
Men 33.3% Women 66.7%
2,023
Men 30.9% Women 69.1%
Graduate students 448
Men 22.8% Women 77.2%
14
Men 21.4% Women 78.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Low
Out-of-state students 4.4% 13.7%
International students 1.6% 1.8%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Small Town: Fringe
Dormitory capacity 1,413 1,061
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from South Carolina North Carolina Florida Georgia Texas South Carolina Georgia Pennsylvania Ohio North Carolina

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Visual & Performing Arts
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Social Sciences
  • Communication and Journalism
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 43.2% 29.7%
Dropout rate 15.9% 19.5%
Transferred out 38.3% 49.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $97,582
  • Year 2: $101,964
  • Year 3: $110,561
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,618
  • Year 2: $58,866
  • Year 3: $60,568
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $41,080
  • Year 2: $43,426
  • Year 3: $47,870
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $38,649
  • Year 3: $40,311
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $29,861
  • Year 2: $28,443
  • Year 3: $34,636
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,038
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: $34,338
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,535
  • Year 2: $31,314
  • Year 3: $34,010
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $23,804
  • Year 2: $28,180
  • Year 3: $32,997
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,805
  • Year 2: $30,157
  • Year 3: $32,022
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $22,652
  • Year 3: $31,548
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $59,411
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $59,775
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,539
  • Year 2: $33,459
  • Year 3: $40,424
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $38,046
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: $39,995
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $24,106
  • Year 2: $28,055
  • Year 3: $37,524
Hospitality Administration/Management (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,890
  • Year 2: $32,772
  • Year 3: $37,452
Social Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $26,308
  • Year 2: $28,433
  • Year 3: $32,750
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,866
  • Year 2: $33,993
  • Year 3: $22,891
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $27,150
  • Year 3: N/A
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $22,193
  • Year 2: $20,530
  • Year 3: N/A
Computational Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $57,345
  • Year 2: $67,660
  • Year 3: N/A

Compare Similar Colleges

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