About Francis Marion University

Founded in 1970, Francis Marion University. is a Public college. Located in South Carolina, which is a city setting in South Carolina, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 3,559 full time undergraduate students, and 315 full time graduate students.

The Francis Marion University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 15:1. There are 205 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Francis Marion University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate61%
Application Deadline
Application Fee39
SAT Range810-1030
ACT Range17-22

Admissions at FMU are considered Selective, with ,27% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 20 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

79% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 42% were in the top quarter, and 13% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Francis Marion University.

5%
“We”re apathetic”
25%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
18%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
55%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
30%
“We bought the gear”
50%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
68%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
33%
“They”re always available”
8%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
75%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
18%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
40%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
40%
“We only party on weekends”
3%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
33%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
10%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
25%
“We know about current events and vote”
68%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
3%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
8%
“We save it for the classroom”
18%
“Sometimes, but not often”
58%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
18%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
8%
“I only go out in groups”
38%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
55%
“I feel extremely safe”
20%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
30%
“We bought the gear”
50%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
10%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
68%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
18%
“We”re a very artistic group”
5%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
63%
“They keep regular office hours”
33%
“They”re always available”
8%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
13%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
75%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
5%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
18%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
40%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
40%
“We only party on weekends”
3%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
33%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
58%
“There might be people who do”
10%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    77 Students rated on-campus housing 3.8 stars. 19 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    57 Students rated off-campus housing 3.5 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    84 Students rated campus food 3.4 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    86 Students rated campus facilities 4.2 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    86 Students rated class size 4.4 stars. 56 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    86 Students rated school activities 3.8 stars. 31 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    86 Students rated local services 3.7 stars. 37 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    86 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 52 % gave the school a 5.0.

Francis Marion University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Francis Marion University?

46 Students rated Francis Marion University

Ruth-Ann - 10/01/2024

Francis Marion University is very connected, students interact a lot with each other. Francis Marion University is a good campus to choose if you want to have long term connections. Many opportunities are here for all students. The professors are usually available most of the time when you seek them. The school has various clubs and organizations. Living on campus is an important way to form connections and maintain them for years to come. Overall, it is a good school with great opportunities.

Jane - 06/14/2023

Francis Marion University (FMU) has been an invaluable institution for my nursing education. As a dedicated nursing student, I have been inspired by the comprehensive curriculum and supportive learning environment that FMU provides. The nursing program at FMU has truly exceeded my expectations. The faculty members are not only knowledgeable and experienced, but they also demonstrate a genuine commitment to student success. They provide guidance, mentorship, and individualized attention, ensuring that each student has the necessary tools to excel in their studies and future nursing career. One aspect that sets FMU apart is its emphasis on practical skills development. Through simulation labs and clinical experiences, I have been able to apply my knowledge in real-life scenarios and gain the confidence needed to provide safe and effective patient care. These hands-on experiences have been instrumental in shaping my nursing skills and preparing me for the challenges of the profession. FMU also fosters a sense of community and engagement. The university encourages students to actively participate in community service and volunteer initiatives. This involvement not only allows us to give back to the community but also instills a sense of social responsibility that aligns with the core values of nursing. In conclusion, my experience at Francis Marion University has been nothing short of transformative. The exceptional nursing program, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on practical skills development have equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a nurse. I am grateful for the opportunities FMU has provided, and I am confident that the university will continue to produce skilled and compassionate nurses who make a positive impact in the healthcare field.

Kailynn - 12/22/2022

It’s a nice school but there is not a lot around to do. I don’t recommend the food. It’s not that great. Teachers are pretty nice and helpful. A lot of them are easy to reach. There are some events on campus that students can attend. As a commuter student it is a little far away but the campus overall is nice

Brianna - 06/29/2020

It is a good school. The professors are passionate and easily accessible by email or office hours. They are willing to accommodate you. I get plenty of hands on experience through the clubs and organizations I am in. The activities are endless. There are tutors and a writing center.

Francis Marion University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Francis Marion University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Francis Marion University is 61%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Choose a college that will provide you with hands-on experience in your field and travel opportunities. These two things will train you for life and a career, as well as broading your horizons. Work hard and play hard and enjoy your time as a student and a part of a college community.

    Read all 76 answers

  3. What's unique about your campus?

    my sorority

    Read all 18 answers

  4. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    A southern, spacey, nature based school that is very friendly and comfortable.

    Read all 16 answers

  5. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known about all of the options regarding on-campus housing.

    Read all 16 answers

  6. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    a person whose looking to go to a big city. female who wants to date

    Read all 12 answers

  7. What kind of person should attend this school?

    Someone who is very outgoing and likes to meet new people because the people here are very friendly and eager to meet others and as long as one is willing to do that then socially they would fit great. As far as academically the person needs to be self motivated to do well in school because there are many self paced classes here and the teachers place a lot of responsibility on the student to learn the provided material.

    Read all 12 answers

  8. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    FMU can be a boring place if you don't get involved but as long as your not the type to sit in your room by yourself all day you will never be bored.

    Read all 12 answers

  9. Describe the students at your school.

    Most are very friendly.

    Read all 11 answers

  10. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    They don't offer aid to transfer students, that of which i am so financially i don't even know if I'll be able to attend this fall which kind of sucks for the most part. I'm going to continue to grind hard and pray to GOD that something works out, my future as well as the future of my family relies heavily on it in all honesty.

    Read all 11 answers

  11. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    That everyone there is like family, and Greek life is awesome!

    Read all 9 answers

  12. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    I would have to say that the park-like atmosphere is the most unique thing i enjoy about the campus. In the fall, the smell of drying plants and the sound of crunching leaves fill the air. In the winter,should there be snow, its a beautiful blanket of white with the plants and buildings sparkling in the sunlight. In the spring there are birds and brightly colored flowers return to give the campus fairytale feel.

    Read all 8 answers

  13. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My school is best know for being fairly easy to get into, but strict on academics once you get in. I just think that it all depends on your major and how much time you are willing to dedicate to working and learning. Professors at FMU always advise us to have, at the most, 3 hours for every class time to study or go over what ever we did that day.

    Read all 6 answers

  14. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The best things about FMU are the class sizes, the small campus, the nature that surrounds the campus and various amenities that are available to students. When I tell people that I go to FMU they either are impressed or they ask, "Is it anywhere near as good as -insert famous college name here-". I'm a private person so I spent most of my time in my room, but for the social student, they have plenty of activities where you can socialize and make friends. FMU is pretty isolated when it comes to shopping around the university. I kind of wished they would have built a Wal-Mart nearby or something. About the administration? I think that they could stand to eliminate some of the teachers who are kind of unfair about certain things. I understand that hard teachers are important and needed to built character, but there have been issues of favoritism and dare i say "bitchiness" for reasons other than just schoolwork.

    Read all 2 answers

  15. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    Not too bright. Didn't get in anywhere else.

    Read all 2 answers

  16. What are the academics like at your school?

    The professors will learn your name, but ONLY if they deem you worthy of their time. One of my favorite classes was history, not because he took time to learn my name or anything, but because he made the class interesting and focused on teaching everyone and making his words count for everyone who cared to listen. In the art field, there were the most competitive students and the most judgment is passed on sudents.

    Read all 2 answers

  17. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    I disagree, in fact, many of the students either have to work their butt off or enjoy that long spiral into college failure.

    Read all 2 answers

  18. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    Everybody drinks or leaves campus.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

69%

female

31%

male

3,559

Total Undergrad Enrollment

315

Total Grad Students

4%

Out-Of-State

94%

In-State

2%

International

Organizations

60

Student Organizations

7

Fraternities

8

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

37%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
43%
% Hispanic/Latino
2%
% White or Caucasian
48%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

99% of students attending Francis Marion University receive some sort of financial aid. 63% were awarded federal grants. While 88% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$20,308

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$1,003

Books and Supplies

$7,716

Room and Board

29,027

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$8,882
$30 - $48K
$9,927
$48 - $75K
$11,788
$75 - $110K
$15,378
$110K & UP
$15,843

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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