University of West Alabama vs. Francis Marion University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL with Francis Marion University in Florence, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of West Alabama is larger than Francis Marion University based on total student enrollment (6,820 students vs. 4,112 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, AL (Remote Rural setting); Francis Marion University is in Florence, SC (Small Suburban setting).
• University of West Alabama is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Francis Marion University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of West Alabama 19:1; Francis Marion University 13:1.

University of West Alabama vs. Francis Marion University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of West Alabama or Francis Marion University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Francis Marion University than University of West Alabama ($11,727 vs. $13,954).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of West Alabama are 12.7% lower than at Francis Marion University ($8,230 vs. $9,432).
• Francis Marion University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of West Alabama (about $170 more per year; $11,160.00 vs. $10,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.2% higher at Francis Marion University than at University of West Alabama (about $1,454 more per year; $21,544.00 vs. $20,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Francis Marion University than at University of West Alabama (98% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Francis Marion University students is 32.7% larger than aid received by University of West Alabama students ($11,988 vs. $9,037).

University of West Alabama vs. Francis Marion University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of West Alabama or Francis Marion University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Francis Marion University and University of West Alabama.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of West Alabama (990) is the same as at Francis Marion University (990).
• Incoming Francis Marion University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 18 at University of West Alabama).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 860/1120; Francis Marion University 870/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of West Alabama 16/21; Francis Marion University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of West Alabama - Test optional; Francis Marion University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of West Alabama Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Francis Marion University students have a 0.73 point higher average high school GPA (3.89) than students at University of West Alabama (3.16).
• Francis Marion University has a higher acceptance rate (86.4%) than University of West Alabama (42.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at University of West Alabama vs. 22.5% at Francis Marion University.

University of West Alabama vs. Francis Marion University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of West Alabama and Francis Marion University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Francis Marion University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than University of West Alabama's (28%).
• Graduates from University of West Alabama earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Francis Marion University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,500 vs. $36,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have a $4,511 lower median loan debt than Francis Marion University graduates ($26,489 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, University of West Alabama graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Francis Marion University graduates ($273 vs. $320).
• More Francis Marion University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of West Alabama students, three years after graduation. (42% vs. 36%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.