Francis Marion University

I came here from New York after getting rejected from every college I applied to. At first, FMU seemed to be like a good place because on the surface everything looks fine. But, I have discovered so much of shit more than I could have ever imagined. The administration of this school is racist. If you are black man, they treat you like shit. Professors are mostly OK but everyone else thinks of you like a second class citizen. White students are equally racist and resent you. The university is doing no activities. There is nothing to bring blacks and whites together. They just advertise for more students to come, spent a semester or two, and leave for another college, usually CCU, CU, or even Darlington Tech . . . Here, everyone knows it is just a matter of time. I have been trying to do the same but I couldn’t get in any schools in this area. Finally, I got accepted at CCU, but they wouldn’t accept any of my credits from FMU. In a sense, I don’t blame them because I know how much of learning is going on at FMU.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

FMU’s degree is garbage to employers in Florence. Unfortunately, I didn’t know that until I finished my first semester at FMU. Then, when I tried to transfer to Darlington Tech and they wouldn’t accept my credits there. For long time, I thought a university is higher than a technical school. But, I am finding out it is not always the case. FMU’s reputation has gone down big time to the point not many employers recognize its relevance. Therefore, if you have no other option anywhere else, you may be better off doing without a college degree, because a degree from FMU could hurt you more than it would help you. That’s my friend’s experience who made it to a department manager at Sears for over ten years. Then, he went back to FMU for a BA and MBA, after which he couldn’t get a single job in Florence. He had to leave for Myrtle Beach to get an entry position at a furniture Store.

1st Year Male -- Class 2012

This school is a path to failure! Unlike many others, I am from Florence and I heard it all. The overwhelming majority of students who come to FMU are those who can’t make it anywhere else. USC, Clemson U, CCU, and many others are the desirable ones in the region. In my case, I wasn’t able to make it in any of these schools but I was accepted at FMU and they offered many scholarships to cover my tuition, books, living expenses, and much more. At first, I was very happy and energized. Then, I started to discover the harsh reality of FMU. I had to make extraordinary efforts to survive the first two semesters. Then, I noticed several other students getting depressed. Few of my friends started getting into heavy drinking, drugs, and unprotected sex. This was my wake up call to transfer ASAP and I did. Now, I have been at Clemson University for six months and, although I am paying my way, I am very happy here and I love it.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2010