Financial Assistance
Providing students with opportunities
At FMU, we have worked diligently to keep our costs as low as possible for our students without sacrificing the quality of the education you receive. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive the best education possible without breaking the bank. By choosing to invest in a Francis Marion University education, you’ll not only receive a powerful education, you’ll also be able to do it affordably by attending the university with the best educational value in South Carolina.
The Financial Assistance Office at FMU is committed to helping you every step of the way as you explore your options for paying for college. Not only will we provide you with comprehensive information on the types of financial assistance available, we’ll also assist you as you go through the financial assistance application process and determine your eligibility for assistance.
Types of Aid
LOANS
There are a number of different types of loans available to students. Two terms to be aware of are subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are need-based while unsubsidized loans are not.
In addition, the subsidized loan does not begin accruing interest until six months after students stop attending college, while unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest as soon as the loan begins.
FEDERAL WORK STUDY
Work study is need-based and allows students to work on-campus and receive federally subsidized pay.
GRANTS
Federal and state grants are available to students. Grants include the Pell Grant and SC Need-Based Grant.
SUMMER AID
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR SUMMER CLASSES AT FMU BEFORE COMPLETING A SUMMER AID APPLICATION.
Please contact the Office of Financial Assistance if you need aid to attend summer school.
DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN ADVISED BY OUR OFFICE TO DO SO.
SUMMER AID IS ONLY AVAILABLE FOR CURRENT STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SUMMER COURSES.
Scholarships
SC SCHOLARSHIPS
Francis Marion takes pride in enrolling more than 1,200 students annually who benefit from South Carolina’s Palmetto Fellows, LIFE, and HOPE scholarships. Individual students can work with guidance counselors at their schools to apply for the state grants, but FMU counselors can assist if needed.
UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The minimum criteria for all University Scholarships at FMU includes admittance to the University for upcoming fall semester, a score of 1100 or better on the SAT (CR and Math only) or 24 ACT Composite, and a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students meeting those requirements could qualify for any of the University awards.
DONOR SCHOLARSHIPS
IMPORTANT: Students must turn in a scholarship application by March 31, in order to be considered for non-renewable scholarships.
These awards may be from the University or outside sources. Generally, full-time enrollment is required to receive a scholarship. Unless otherwise stated in your initial award letter, scholarships are non-renewable.
Apply here: 2027-28-Donor Scholarship Application
FMU'S NET PRICE CALCULATOR
Francis Marion University’s Net Price Calculator uses the latest available data to provide an estimated cost of attendance to current and prospective students based on what similar students paid in a previous year.
The calculator includes tuition and required fees, books and supplies, room and board (meals) and other related expenses, minus estimated grant and scholarship aid.
CONTACT US
The Office of Financial Assistance is here to serve you. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00AM-5:00PM. Our staff is available to answer your questions when you call, email or visit us. We can be reached by phone at 843-661-1190, email at FINASST@fmarion.edu, or in person at the Stokes Administration Building 117.
Title IV School Code: 009226
Location: 117 Stokes Administration Building (SAB)
Telephone: 843-661-1190
Fax: 843-661-1195
Email: finasst@fmarion.edu
Mailing Address:
Francis Marion University
Office of Financial Assistance
PO Box 100547
Florence, SC 29502-0547