Freshman Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to Francis Marion University, incoming freshmen must earn a high school diploma with a satisfactory academic record, and must successfully complete all required college preparatory courses (see list below).

Beyond that, admission depends on the evaluation of your application with a particular focus on your high school academic, SAT or ACT scores (optional), recommendations, and participation in extracurricular activities.

Special note: GED recipients can be considered for admission but will need to include a letter of intent with their application that adds further detail to their situation.

A complete set of admissions documents to FMU includes all of the following:

1. Proper completion of all application materials, and a $41 non-refundable application fee or signed fee waiver.

2. (Optional) Official results from either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT). Scores can be sent to the FMU Admissions Office either through the testing service or by your high school guidance office. FMU’s codes for SAT and ACT reporting are listed below. Use these codes where appropriate in order to have your test results transmitted to FMU.

SAT Code: 5442  ACT Code: 3856

*Submission of ACT and SAT scores are optional.

3. Personal Recommendation Form. View and download the form here. Note: Recommendations are an optional part of the application process, but can be important for both scholarship consideration and admission of some students.

4. Official transcript of a student’s high school academic record. Request and send an electronic copy of your high school transcript to FMU, or download the transcript request form and take it to your high school counselor. They can forward it to FMU with the appropriate transcript document.

Core curriculum requirements

Students seeking admission to FMU must complete the following courses during their high school career.

English – 4 units

Of the four English units, at least two of the units (classes) should include strong grammar and composition components, at least one should focus on English literature, and at least one should focus on American literature. Generally speaking, completion of college preparatory-level English I, II, III, and IV at most high schools will meet these requirements.

Math – 4 units
Mathematics units should include college Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry in college prep-level courses. A fourth, higher-level mathematics course can be selected from among Algebra III/trigonometry, pre-calculus, calculus, statistics, discrete mathematics, or a capstone mathematics course. The fourth would typically be the final math course taken during a student’s senior year.

Laboratory Science – 3 units
Two units must be taken in two different fields. Fields of study include: biology, chemistry, or physics. The third unit may be from the same field as one of the first two units (biology, chemistry, or physics) but must have biology, chemistry or physics as a prerequisite. NOTE: Physical Science is not considered as a laboratory science for admission purposes.

Foreign Language – 2 units
Two units of the same foreign language.

Social Science – 3 units
One unit of U.S. history is required. A half unit of economics and a half unit in government is strongly recommended.

Fine Arts – 1 unit
One unit in appreciation of, history of, or performance in one of the fine arts. Fine Arts credits are difficult to obtain in some S.C. districts and schools. Contact the FMU Admissions Office for guidance on this topic.

Electives – 1 unit
One college preparatory unit must be taken from the following fields: computer science (strongly recommended), English, fine arts, foreign languages, humanities, laboratory science (excluding earth science, general physical science, general environmental science or other introductory science courses for which biology and/or chemistry is not a prerequisite), mathematics above the level of Algebra II, and social sciences. Note: electives cannot be courses counted for other core requirements.

Physical Education or ROTC – 1 unit

Admission Notification

Applicants will receive an email confirmation once the application is submitted.  Once all the required documents are received, an admittance decision will be rendered and an email notification sent to the applicant to log into their FM Link account.

Have questions?  Call the Admissions’ office at 843-661-1231.

Transfer students should meet the following criteria for admission:

  • Complete an application for admission and pay $41 non-refundable application fee.
  • Request official college transcripts from any institution of higher education attended. (High school transcripts and SAT or ACT test scores are required if you have fewer than 22 earned college credits).
  • Be eligible to return to the most recent college or university attended.
  • A 2.0 GPA for all completed transferable college work and at least 22 transferable credit hours.

(Students who have less than 22 transferable credit hours are still encouraged to apply; however, a high school transcript should be submitted for review, and SAT or ACT test score submission is optional.) 

Students interested in transferring from a South Carolina Technical College can view the Transfer Guide indicating which courses will transfer to FMU.

For more information about transferring into Francis Marion University, please refer to SC TRAC, a helpful website that aims to guide students through the transfer process. From the home screen there you can plan your transfer, find course equivalencies and learn more about the transfer process. The site is being updated regularly and just because the courses you’ve taken aren’t listed as an equivalent doesn’t mean it won’t transfer. To get the most accurate credit evaluation you’ll need to apply for admission and send us your official transcripts.

*Request and send an electronic copy of your official college transcript to FMU. You may also request your high school transcript via this method.

NOTE: Students who do not meet these criteria may apply and will be considered on a case by case basis.

If you’ve already applied and been admitted as a transfer student, find your next step!

Transfer Scholarships are available. Click HERE to go to the transfer scholarship application.

International Student Admissions Requirements

Francis Marion University is committed to promoting international understanding through intercultural exchange. The admission of qualified international students from countries throughout the world allows FMU to offer a uniquely diverse student body.

Francis Marion University welcomes applications for admission from international students. To ensure ample time for all required documentation to arrive at Francis Marion, it is important to apply as early as possible. International degree-seeking students must be accepted to FMU by: July 1 to begin classes in the Fall Semester; November 1 to begin classes in the Spring Semester and April 1 to begin classes in the Late Spring and Summer Semesters. Students applying for undergraduate study (to receive a bachelor’s degree) are responsible for all expenses. The University does not award financial aid to international students for undergraduate study although some scholarships are available for qualified students.

International students must be proficient in the English language and must be good students in their own country before they are accepted to FMU. The course of study must include course selections from English, history, mathematics, and science as well as appropriate test scores. International students should complete the educational equivalent of an American High School diploma to be considered for admission to FMU. Further information about these requirements can be obtained from the educational system in the applicant’s own country or from the Admissions Office at Francis Marion University.

Some international students may qualify for in-state tuition under the South Carolina Sister-State initiative. Students from Brandenburg, Thuringen, or Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany, state of Queensland, Australia and province of Taiwan, Republic of China could be eligible. Once you’ve applied for admission and you think you may be eligible to receive the waiver please contact our Residency Officer in the Admissions Office.

In addition to all other admissions materials, students must complete an Einwohnermeldeamt certificate of residency (translated into English) or send, in English, a letter from the Education Ministry in Germany confirming residence in one of the states listed above. Certificates are available from the FMU admissions office. For more information on the Sister-State initiative, consult the SC Commission on Higher Education web site at http://www.che.sc.gov/.

The following steps must be completed in order for international students to be considered for admission to FMU:

  1. Online Application 
  2. Financial Certification Applicants must provide proof of their ability to pay expenses. This support can come from the applicant’s family or sponsor. The cost of attendance is approximately U.S. $33,139.00 per year. This total includes tuition, room, food, books, and miscellaneous expenses. For a copy of an itemized breakdown of expenses, please reach out to the Admissions office Admissions@fmarion.edu. The University requires an official statement from a bank, employer, sponsor, or some other official affidavit of support. Financial certification must be sent to the University before an I-20 can be sent to the student. Applicants can expect to use one-half of the total each semester. Financial certification should come directly from the source. To complete the certificate of financial support, please click the appropriate form here: Undergraduate Students or Graduate Students.
  3. School Records Applicants should request transcripts or certificates of satisfactory study from each institution attended. Examples of this include “A” or “O” levels, baccalaureate, bachillerato, Reifezeufgnis, or other school certificates. These records should include an English evaluated translation of the subjects studied, grades received in those subjects, and degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned. An explanation of the school’s grading system should accompany the transcripts. To be considered official documents, all transcripts must come directly to FMU from the educational institution attended. Students who have completed university work from institutions located outside the U.S. must have those transcripts certified by the World Education Services (WES). More information is available at www.wes.org.
  4. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Test System (IELTS) The TOEFL is required of all international students except those whose native language is English. An acceptable score is at least a 500 (61 on the internet based version) on the TOEFL. Information about the TOEFL can be found at many schools or at US Embassies, Consulates, or offices of the United States Information Service. If information is not available in the applicant’s country, it can be obtained by writing: TOEFL, Box 6161, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6161, USA. The IELTS may be used in lieu of the TOEFL. Information about the IELTS can be found at www.IELTS.org. In some instances students who are transferring from other postsecondary educational institutions in the United States may be accepted for admission to Francis Marion University without TOEFL scores. This could occur if the student has a high verbal score on the SAT or good grades on Freshman English course at the institution from which the student is transferring.

ADMISSION STATUS

When the FMU Office of Admissions receives official copies of all required credentials, a letter of acceptance or denial will be sent. If an applicant is accepted, the University may require additional proof of financial status before an I-20 is issued. Immigration laws of the United States require every institution to certify that each international student has adequate finances to cover expenses incurred while pursuing a baccalaureate degree. Please note that all documents such as TOEFL scores, financial information, and transcripts must be sent directly from the applicable institution to the Francis Marion University Admissions Office. Facsimiles of documents except for the admissions application, will not be accepted nor will copies mailed directly from the applicant or his family.

Included with the acceptance letter will be a student health form. International students are required to complete a health history form, supply dates of previous immunizations, and have a current PPD, which is a TB skin test. The current immunization form must be presented to FMU Student Health Services before the student will be allowed to register for classes. Additionally, International Students are required to provide proof of insurance. Questions regarding the immunization form should be directed to the FMU Student Health Center at 843-661-1844.

HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION

All international students must have health insurance for the duration of enrollment at FMU. If an international student has insurance that meets these requirements below, they must submit a copy of the policy coverage and proof of validity in English to the International Student Advisor upon arrival in the United States.

Students with a F-1 Visa

  • $50,000 or greater major medical benefit (per accident or injury)
  • $25,000 repatriation benefit
  • $50,000 medical evacuation benefit  (to his or her home country)
  • Medical deductible not to exceed $100 (per  accident or illness)

Students may acquire insurance coverage from the following vendors:

VISA INFORMATION

Upon acceptance to FMU, the Admissions Office will send the student an I-20 that is used to obtain an F-1 student visa. Visas may be obtained at the American Embassy or Consulate. To obtain a visa the following documents must be provided to the Embassy or Consulate staff:
  1. Passport
  2. I-20
  3. Current financial certification (official documents should be obtained by the student and taken to the Embassy at the time of application for a Visa)

Applicants who are already in the United States will not need to obtain a new Visa but are still required to submit Visa information to get a new I-20. These applicants should request a transfer in SEVIS before the new I-20 will be issued by FMU. International students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 hours) during the Fall and Spring semesters in order to maintain student immigration status.

Second degree seeking students are any students who have already obtained a Bachelor’s degree and wish to continue their education at the bachelor’s level for a different program of study.

To be admitted as a second degree seeking student:

–      Submit an Application for Admission with the $41 application fee.

–      Submit official transcript from the institution first degree was awarded from:
Francis Marion University
Office of Admissions
PO Box 100547
Florence, SC 29502

(Francis Marion graduates do not need to complete this step.)

Request and send an electronic copy of your official college transcript to FMU.

Once you have been admitted, you will receive a degree audit from our Registrar’s Office for the courses you have left to take for your second degree.  For more information about your degree audit, contact Hannah Jeffries in the Registrar’s Office:

Hannah Jeffries
Student Services Counselor
Registrar’s Office
(843) 661-4675
Hannah.jeffries@fmarion.edu

If you are looking to complete second bachelor’s degree in Nursing, please contact Rita Brantley to find out the prerequisite requirements to our nursing program:

Kelly Heavner
Coordinator of Nursing Student Services
(843)-661-1226
kelly.heavner@fmarion.edu

Francis Marion University offers three areas of study in our Graduate Programs:

School of Business

  • General Business Administration (Master of Business Administration [M.B.A.])
  • Health Management (Master of Business Administration with Concentration in Healthcare Executive Management [M.B.A.-H.E.M.])

School of Education

  • Learning Disabilities (Master of Arts in Teaching [M.A.T.] and Master of Education [M.Ed.])
  • Instructional Accommodation (Master of Education [M.Ed.]

Department of Nursing

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (Master of Science in Nursing [M.S.N.])
  • Nurse Educator (Master of Science in Nursing [M.S.N.])

Department of Psychology

  • Psychology (Master of Science in Applied Psychology [M.S.])
  • Specialist in School Psychology (Master of Science Specialist in School Psychology [M.S. S.S.P])

Department of Speech-Language Pathology

  • Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Get more information about our Graduate admissions here or contact:

Graduate Admissions
843-661-4636
bfunk@fmarion.edu

Request and send an electronic copy of your official college transcript to FMU.

A concurrent student is any student who is currently enrolled at a high school but wishes to be dual-enrolled with Francis Marion University.

To be a admitted as a concurrent high school student:

  • Submit an Application for Admission to FMU.
  • Have scores of at least 900 on the SAT (critical reading and math sections only) or 90 (critical reading and math) PSAT, composite scores of at least 19 on the ACT, or place into specific courses with appropriate FMU placement test scores.
  • Submit a recommendation from high school counselor along with an official high school transcript.

– Once you have been admitted as a concurrent student, please contact the Office of Admissions to be assisted in registering for courses.

– If you wish to attend Francis Marion as an incoming freshman student, you will need to reapply as a freshman for the semester you wish to attend.


Application Process

To apply for admission to Francis Marion University’s Patriot College, students should submit the following:

  1. Francis Marion University Dual Credit application, completed and signed.
  2. A copy of your most recent high school transcript.
  3. A letter of recommendation from your high school principal or guidance counselor.
  4. Proof of US citizenship (copy of driver’s license, birth certificate or passport).

For more information or questions regarding Dual Enrollment, contact Anna Todd at atodd@fmarion.edu.

A readmit student is any student who has previously been enrolled at Francis Marion University and who has not attended continuously one or more semesters (fall or spring).

For students who have not attended another institution since leaving FMU:

– Once you have been admitted, you may contact the department of your major to register for classes.

For students who have attended another institution since leaving and wish to return to FMU:

  • To be readmitted, submit an updated Application for Admission and apply as a readmit student. Please make sure you list Francis Marion as an institution that you previously attended.
  • Send official transcripts from any institution you may have attended since leaving FMU.
  • Once the transcripts are received, you will be given an admissions decision.

– Once you have been admitted, you may contact the department of your major to register for classes.

For any questions regarding your eligibility to return to Francis Marion, please call the Admissions office at 843-661-1231.

Request and send an electronic copy of your official college transcript to FMU.

Transient students are students who attend another institution and choose to enroll at Francis Marion for one term to take courses needed for their programs of study.

Admission to undergraduate courses for one semester or summer session may be granted to students from other colleges and universities whose courses of study have been approved by their academic deans or registrars.

To be admitted as a transient student:

  • Complete an undergraduate Application for Admission and submit the $41 application fee.
  • Submit a completed transient permission form from your institution (this typically can be obtained from your Registrar’s Office, or Academic Advisor)
  • Proof of Citizenship ( copy of your SC driver’s license or a copy of your birth certificate)

After receiving the above information, you will be admitted to attend Francis Marion for one semester for only the courses provided on your transient permission form.

Military and Veteran Students should meet the following criteria for admission:

  • Complete an application for admission. The application fee will be waived once military or veteran status has been verified.
  • Request official transcript from any institution of higher education attended.
  • Once you have been admitted, complete the FAFSA.

*Request and send an electronic copy of your official college transcript to FMU. You may also
request your high school transcript via this method.
NOTE: Students who do not meet these criteria may apply and will be considered on a case by case
basis.

If you have any questions pertaining to benefits, please contact the School Certifying Officers (SCO) in
the Registrar’s Office, Room 118, in the Stokes Administration Building or at 843-661-1174.

Get more information.

The Bridge to Francis Marion University Program is a distinctive academic transfer program available to students throughout the state. Beginning with a strong first-year academic experience at one of the technical colleges listed below, the Bridge program includes dedicated academic advising and student support services — all of which are designed to help students succeed in meeting Bridge academic requirements and transferring to Francis Marion University. Advisers from both institutions assist students with selecting courses that transfer to Francis Marion University. The successful collaboration between the technical colleges and Francis Marion allows Bridge students to make progress in their intended Francis Marion major during their freshman year while preparing to enroll at Francis Marion beginning their sophomore year. The Bridge program staff is committed to providing students with the educational tools and services they need to succeed.

Technical College Partnerships

Academic Requirements

Bridge students enroll at one of the above technical colleges for their freshman year and start their course work in the fall semester. To be admitted to Francis Marion University for the sophomore year, Bridge students are required to earn a minimum of twenty-two (22) transferable semester credit hours and a 2.0 grade point average during their freshman year. Students who satisfy Bridge academic requirements will be admitted to Francis Marion for the subsequent Fall semester without being required to resubmit a Francis Marion University admission application. Students who do not satisfy the Bridge academic requirements will be encouraged to apply for admission to Francis Marion University at a later date. A list of transferable courses may be found here.

In addition to the technical college application, students must complete the Francis Marion application as well as the Bridge Enrollment Form to be admitted to the Bridge Program. Once a student is ready to transfer to Francis Marion, the Bridge Update App Request Form will need to be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office at Francis Marion University.

While grades earned at technical colleges will not subsequently be included in a student’s Francis Marion grade point average (GPA), the grades and credit hours a student earns at the technical school will count toward determining the student’s eligibility for the South Carolina LIFE scholarship.

Special Benefits for Bridge Students

  • Access to FMU Rogers Library
  • Access to athletic events
  • Access to Smith University Center (bookstore, indoor pool, fitness room, and weight room)
  • Special FMU student discounts for events and performances held at the FMU Performing Arts Center
  • Dual academic advising by professionals at the technical college and FMU
  • Guaranteed transferability of courses taken at the technical college when Bridge Student adheres to a Program Pathway or FMU Transfer Guide
  • Courses selected through the Program Pathway will also coincide with academic program requirements for that specific major at FMU
  • FMU representative will visit each technical college partner institution at least once a semester and will be available during that visit to meet with Bridge Students to answer any questions or concerns the student may have
  • Specific transfer orientation sessions are available for Bridge Students prior to enrolling at FMU

Technical College Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for the technical college are located on each institution’s website. Technical college tuition and fees vary based on residency classification and the number of credit hours in which a student is enrolled. Please visit the website of the technical college you wish to attend for the current tuition and fees for full-time students.

Financial Aid

Each technical college processes and awards all federal and state financial aid during the Bridge students’ freshman year. Students should complete and submit the FAFSA (available online at FAFSA.gov) and enter the technical college for which they want to attend. Students who have already submitted their FAFSA coded to Francis Marion University should log in to their submitted FAFSA form at FAFSA.gov and add the selected technical college’s federal code.

Advisement

Each Bridge student will have access to the Degree Pathway of their desired major at Francis Marion University. The student is advised to follow the Pathway in order to make the transition to FMU a smooth one. The Pathway is not a binding schedule but an extra stepping stone to assist across the Bridge.

We know that the college selection process can be a fun and exciting time. We also know that it can, at times, be stressful. With that in mind, we have created this website to aid you and your student with that process. We hope that you will find all of the information you need to help your student make a smooth transition from high school into college life. If at any time during the process, we can be of help please, feel free to contact us… We’re here for you!!