Francis Marion University is a public liberal arts university in Florence, South Carolina, founded in 1970 and named for Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. Located on a 400-acre campus with historic Gregg Plantation features, it offers 40+ majors emphasizing teaching, nursing, and business. Highlights include NCAA Division II Patriots athletics, small classes, and strong regional ties.

State

South Carolina

Student Population

4,000

Acceptance Rate

86%

GPA Range

3.0-3.6

SAT Range

990-1140

Common Majors

Nursing, business, education, biology, psychology

"FMU's friendly Patriot culture builds community on our wooded campus with walking trails. Off-campus, Florence's shops and Myrtle Beach trips refresh; students love small classes, dedicated profs, spirited games, Greek life, and tight-knit Pee Dee vibe that feels like home."

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

$10,384 (in-state), $20,768 (out-of-state)

Conference

Big Sky Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

Avg Women's Scores

N/A

Men's Team Notes

Francis Marion men’s golf posts team totals in the high‑290s over 18 holes, with several players carding in the 70s and occasional low‑round scores in the 60s. The team consistently places in the middle of the pack in multi‑round events, showing steady improvement and solid counting‑round consistency.

Women's Team Notes

N/A

Coaches

Men's Coach

Mark Gaynor

Women's Coach

N/A

Men's Email

mgaynor@fmarion.edu

Women's Email

N/A

Men's Coach Bio

Mark Gaynor enters his 21st season (2025-26) as Francis Marion men's golf head coach, compiling 1288-1818-53 record through DII-to-DI transition. Michigan State/UGA alum Gaynor earned 10 straight GCAA All-Academic honors while competing at JT Poston (15th/15), Temple Invitational (6th/13). His Patriots target Conference Carolinas contention at Waynesville CC

Women's Coach Bio

N/A