Overview of Francis Marion University
Francis Marion University (FMU) is a public liberal arts university located in Florence, South Carolina. Established in 1970, the university is named after General Francis Marion, a hero of the American Revolutionary War known as the “Swamp Fox.” FMU is part of the South Carolina State University System and has developed a reputation for providing quality education, fostering a close-knit community, and offering a range of academic programs.
Academic Programs and Colleges: Francis Marion University offers a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges. These include the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Health Sciences, and the School of Graduate Studies.
- College of Liberal Arts: This college offers programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Majors in fields such as English, history, political science, biology, and psychology provide students with a well-rounded education and critical thinking skills.
- School of Business: The School of Business provides programs in business administration, accounting, finance, and marketing. The emphasis is on preparing students for success in the dynamic world of business through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications.
- School of Education: The School of Education offers programs in early childhood education, elementary education, special education, and other fields related to teaching and educational leadership. The school is committed to preparing educators who can make a positive impact in K-12 classrooms and educational settings.
- School of Health Sciences: Programs in nursing, health physics, and healthcare administration are offered in the School of Health Sciences. The school focuses on preparing professionals for careers in healthcare, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
- School of Graduate Studies: The School of Graduate Studies oversees various master’s degree programs, providing advanced education and research opportunities for graduate students.
Community Engagement and Service Learning: Francis Marion University is dedicated to community engagement and service learning. The university encourages students to actively participate in service projects, internships, and community-based initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the local and regional communities.
The Center for Community Engagement at FMU serves as a hub for coordinating service-learning opportunities and community partnerships. Through these initiatives, students have the chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, develop a sense of civic responsibility, and make a positive impact on society.
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Learning: One of the distinctive features of Francis Marion University is its commitment to small class sizes and personalized learning. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from individualized attention, close interactions with professors, and a collaborative learning environment. This approach fosters meaningful connections between faculty and students, facilitating a more engaging and supportive educational experience.
Technology and Innovation: FMU recognizes the importance of technology in education and is committed to providing modern facilities and resources to enhance the learning experience. The university integrates technology into its academic programs, research initiatives, and campus infrastructure to prepare students for the demands of the digital age.
Athletics and Campus Life: Francis Marion University competes in NCAA Division II athletics. The Patriots, the university’s athletic teams, participate in a variety of sports, contributing to school spirit and student engagement. Athletics at FMU provide student-athletes with opportunities for personal and athletic development.
Campus life at Francis Marion is vibrant, with numerous student organizations, clubs, and activities. Events, cultural celebrations, and traditions contribute to a lively campus culture, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are central to the identity of Francis Marion University. The university values the contributions of individuals from various backgrounds and is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment. FMU celebrates diversity through events, programs, and initiatives that promote cultural understanding, equity, and social justice.
Global Perspectives: FMU encourages students to gain global perspectives through study abroad programs, international internships, and cultural exchange opportunities. The university recognizes the importance of preparing students for a globalized world and fostering an appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
Affordability and Accessibility: As a public university, Francis Marion is committed to providing an affordable education. The university offers financial aid programs, scholarships, and resources to support students in their pursuit of higher education. FMU recognizes the importance of accessibility and strives to make education attainable for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Conclusion: Francis Marion University stands as a dynamic institution committed to providing quality education, community engagement, and personalized learning. With a focus on small class sizes, service learning, and a diverse range of academic programs, FMU provides students with a well-rounded and supportive educational experience. The university’s dedication to technology, innovation, athletics, and fostering an inclusive campus community aligns with its mission to prepare students for success in their chosen fields and to be responsible, engaged citizens in a global society.
PO Box 100547 Florence, SC 29502-0547
Phone: (843) 661-1231
Email: admission@fmarion.edu
Web site: http://www.fmarion.edu
Rankings: Francis Marion University
Located in Florence, SC, Francis Marion University is one of the best universities in the state of South Carolina. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Francis Marion University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Francis Marion University.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.6 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 76 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 66.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 39.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 41 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 47.8% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 3.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 15:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 92.2% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 80 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 840-1050 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 11% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 37% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 61.6% |
| Financial resources rank: | 56 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 48 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 8.8% |
Essential Facts: Francis Marion University
- Francis Marion University deploys a semester-based curriculum calendar system and provides 40 majors. The most popular concentrations are Nursing, Education, Biology, Psychology, and Management.
- The Francis Marion athletics program is a member of the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference, which consists of 13 member schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
- FMU draws students from across the country and around the world, but remains true to its original mission: to educate the people of the Pee Dee Region and the State of South Carolina.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 41% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 6% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 10% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 35% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 78% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball |
| Student activities: | choral groups, drama/theater, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, student government, student newspaper, television station |