FMU-Florence vs Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)
Francis Marion University and Winston-Salem State University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Francis Marion, nestled in the charming town of Florence, South Carolina, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for aspiring students. Winston-Salem State, located in the vibrant city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, stands out with its historically black college and university (HBCU) status, fostering a rich cultural heritage. While both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, Francis Marion emphasizes business and education, while Winston-Salem State excels in nursing and social work. Explore the detailed comparison table to delve into further distinctions, including student body demographics, graduation rates, and additional factors that may influence your higher education journey.
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![]() Francis Marion University |
![]() Winston-Salem State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Florence, South Carolina | Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
Campus setting | Suburb: Small | City: Midsize |
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% | 76.0% |
![]() |
No | Yes |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 86.1% | 81.5% |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$41
Graduate:
$41
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Undergraduate:
$50
Graduate:
$50
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SAT range | 930 - 1120 | 880 - 1040 |
ACT range | 15 - 22 | 15 - 19 |
Students submitting SAT score | 20.0% | 7.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 19.0% | 35.0% |
Total number of applicants | 3,028 | 5,419 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,608 | 4,415 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 699 | 912 |
Yield rate | 26.8% | 20.7% |
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 | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$24,351
Out of state:
$34,735
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In state:
$23,252
Out of state:
$33,908
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Average net price | $13,299 | $12,976 |
Tuition |
In state:
$10,384
Out of state:
$20,768
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In state:
$3,401
Out of state:
$14,057
|
Room & board | $8,230 |
Room/dormitory:
$7,568
Meal plan:
$3,872
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
98.0%
Average amount $10,192 |
87.0%
Average amount $7,752 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
59.0%
Average amount $5,579 |
78.0%
Average amount $6,071 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $7,593 |
3.0%
Average amount $9,995 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
3,475
Men 33.3% Women 66.7% |
4,726
Men 23.8% Women 76.2% |
Graduate students |
448
Men 22.8% Women 77.2% |
500
Men 19.0% Women 81.0% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 4.4% | 16.1% |
International students | 1.6% | 1.2% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 1,413 | 2,423 |
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 | North Carolina South Carolina Maryland District of Columbia Virginia |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 13:1 | 16:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 43.2% | 45.8% |
Dropout rate | 15.9% | 26.8% |
Transferred out | 38.3% | 25.9% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions (Bachelor's Degrees)
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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