Winthrop vs FMU-Florence

Winthrop University and Francis Marion University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in South Carolina, offer distinct educational experiences. Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, boasts a higher acceptance rate of 73%, while Francis Marion University in Florence maintains a slightly lower acceptance rate of 68%. In terms of student body demographics, Winthrop University's student population is predominantly female, with women comprising 62% of the student body, while Francis Marion University has a more balanced gender ratio, with 49% female and 51% male students. Both universities offer a diverse range of academic programs, with popular majors at Winthrop University including Business, Education, and Nursing, and popular majors at Francis Marion University including Business, Education, and Health Professions. With graduation rates of 59% and 56% respectively, both universities are committed to student success and ensuring their graduates are well-prepared for their chosen careers. To help you make an informed decision about your higher education journey,

	Francis Marion University	Winthrop University
Overview
Location	Florence, South Carolina	Rock Hill, South Carolina
Campus setting	Suburb: Small	City: Small
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%	68.0%
Common app member	No	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	86.1%	63.9%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $41 Graduate: $41	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	930 - 1120	1000 - 1195
ACT range	15 - 22	20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	20.0%	43.0%
Students submitting ACT score	19.0%	21.0%
Total number of applicants	3,028	5,582
Total number of admissions given out	2,608	3,567
Admitted students who chose to enroll	699	818
Yield rate	26.8%	22.9%
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

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $24,351 Out of state: $34,735	In state: $34,720 Out of state: $49,050
Average net price	$13,299	$17,100
Tuition	In state: $10,384 Out of state: $20,768	In state: $15,306 Out of state: $29,636
Room & board	$8,230	Room/dormitory: $6,302 Meal plan: $3,898
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	98.0% Average amount $10,192	99.0% Average amount $11,526
Students receiving federal student loan	59.0% Average amount $5,579	67.0% Average amount $5,581
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $7,593	14.0% Average amount $10,587

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	3,475 Men 33.3% Women 66.7%	3,973 Men 32.5% Women 67.5%
Graduate students	448 Men 22.8% Women 77.2%	1,201 Men 17.8% Women 82.2%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	4.4%	9.5%
International students	1.6%	1.3%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Small	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	1,413	2,117
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 North Carolina Georgia Virginia New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Business Psychology Visual & Performing Arts	Business Education Visual & Performing Arts Psychology Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	12:1
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%	58.2%
Dropout rate	15.9%	21.4%
Transferred out	38.3%	20.1%
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	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $54,004 Year 2: $54,724 Year 3: $68,513 Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $55,366 Year 2: $56,641 Year 3: $57,249 Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: $45,414 Year 2: $43,240 Year 3: $45,338 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $36,918 Year 2: $40,269 Year 3: $44,705 Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $38,829 Year 3: $44,224 Social Work (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $41,684 Year 2: $42,123 Year 3: $44,015 Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $26,207 Year 2: $19,227 Year 3: $42,116 Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $39,190 Year 2: $39,074 Year 3: $41,551 Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $37,116 Year 2: $35,274 Year 3: $41,363 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $38,564 Year 2: $38,700 Year 3: $40,624

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between Winthrop University and Francis Marion University?

Winthrop University, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, is a mid-sized public university known for its strong liberal arts foundation and commitment to civic engagement. Francis Marion University, situated in Florence, South Carolina, is a smaller public university with a focus on providing accessible and career-oriented education. Winthrop generally has a higher tuition rate and a more residential campus feel, while Francis Marion offers a more commuter-friendly environment and a lower cost of attendance.
Which university is larger, Winthrop or Francis Marion?

Winthrop University is generally larger than Francis Marion University in terms of student enrollment. Winthrop typically enrolls around 6,000 students, while Francis Marion usually has around 4,000 students.
How do the academic programs compare between Winthrop and Francis Marion?

Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Winthrop is particularly known for its programs in education, business, and the arts, while Francis Marion has strong programs in health sciences, business, and education. Consider your specific academic interests when deciding which university aligns best with your goals. Check each university's website for a complete list of programs.
What is the cost of attendance like at Winthrop versus Francis Marion?

Francis Marion University generally has a lower cost of attendance compared to Winthrop University. This includes tuition, fees, and room and board. However, the actual cost will vary depending on your residency status, chosen program, and lifestyle. Be sure to visit the financial aid sections of both university websites to explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid options.
What is campus life like at Winthrop and Francis Marion?

Winthrop University offers a more traditional residential campus experience with a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities. Francis Marion University, while also offering campus activities, caters to a larger commuter population, which can influence the overall campus atmosphere. Both universities have athletic programs and opportunities for student involvement, but the scale and focus may differ.
Where are Winthrop University and Francis Marion University located?

Winthrop University is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, a city close to Charlotte, North Carolina, offering access to urban amenities and job opportunities. Francis Marion University is located in Florence, South Carolina, a smaller city that provides a more relaxed and community-focused environment.
What are the admission requirements for Winthrop and Francis Marion?

Both Winthrop and Francis Marion require applicants to submit high school transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT, though test-optional policies may be in place), and application essays. Winthrop generally has slightly higher admission standards than Francis Marion. Check each university's admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements and deadlines.
Which university is better for specific majors like Nursing or Business?

Both Winthrop and Francis Marion offer strong programs in Nursing and Business. Francis Marion has a well-regarded Nursing program, particularly for its clinical experiences. Winthrop's Business programs are accredited and offer various specializations. Research the specific curriculum, faculty expertise, and internship opportunities within each program to determine which best suits your career aspirations.
How do the athletic programs compare?

Both Winthrop and Francis Marion offer a variety of NCAA Division I athletic programs. Winthrop competes in the Big South Conference, while Francis Marion competes in Conference Carolinas (Division II). If participating in athletics is important to you, research the specific teams and coaching staff at each university.
What kind of student support services are available at each university?

Both Winthrop and Francis Marion offer a range of student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, career services, counseling, and disability services. These services are designed to help students succeed academically, personally, and professionally. Explore the websites of both universities to learn more about the specific services offered.

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