About Franklin and Marshall College
The sticker price hits $68,380 annually, but most families pay far less after financial aid kicks in. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,331 net price, while those from higher-income households typically pay around $48,713. Graduates earn a median of $76,124 ten years after leaving campus. With median debt of only $19,000 and monthly loan payments of $201, most alumni find their F&M education pays off financially. The 86% six-year graduation rate reflects students who finish what they start.
Nearly half the student body competes in 28 varsity sports as Division III athletes. The campus houses 2,154 students despite enrolling fewer than 2,000, creating a tight-knit residential community where 96.6% of graduates find employment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 85.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.0%
- Retention Rate
- 85.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $76,124
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,733 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $45,852 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,441 |
| History. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $38,337 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
Campus Life
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit academic environment where professors know your name. With 646 athletes across 28 Division III sports, nearly one-third of students compete varsity level. The Centennial Conference rivalry with Dickinson College drives campus spirit during football and basketball seasons. Students call the school "F&M" and gather for traditions like Ben's Underground, the campus coffeehouse and venue. Weekend social life centers around Greek organizations and house parties, though Lancaster's downtown offers restaurants and cultural events. The college's honor code shapes campus culture, creating an atmosphere of trust where students self-schedule exams. With 75% of students coming from out of state, the residential campus becomes home base for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch country and weekend trips to major East Coast cities.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 2,154 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
77 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 10 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 7 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–39°F
- July Avg
- 64°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 21.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.3%
- Women
- 52.7%
- White
- 58.1%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 10.1%
- Asian
- 4.9%
- In-State Students
- 24.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 16.7%
Location
- Address
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604-3003
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $76,124
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $68,877
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $201/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Franklin and Marshall College?
Franklin and Marshall accepts 36.23% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1375. The college maintains selectivity while building a close-knit community of 1,904 students. F&M attracts students seeking rigorous liberal arts education with strong faculty mentorship.
How much does Franklin and Marshall College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $39,061, lower than the full cost of $84,748. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $13,331 on average. The college provides substantial institutional grants averaging $49,177 to help make this expensive liberal arts education more accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Franklin and Marshall College?
Franklin and Marshall maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, enabling the close mentoring relationships the college is known for. With just 1,904 students total, professors know their students personally. This intimate academic environment helps explain the strong 85.81% four-year graduation rate.
How much do Franklin and Marshall College graduates earn?
Graduates earn a median of $76,124 ten years after graduation with a 96.6% employment rate. The college's strong pre-professional programs and alumni network help students launch successful careers. Median student debt of just $19,000 keeps loan burdens manageable compared to earnings potential.
Where is Franklin and Marshall College located?
Franklin and Marshall sits in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a small city setting that provides both college town charm and internship opportunities. The campus houses 2,154 students in residential facilities that foster the tight-knit community culture. Lancaster's location offers easy access to Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. for internships and cultural experiences.
Does Franklin and Marshall College have notable alumni?
The college's most famous alumnus is James Buchanan, the 15th U.S. President, reflecting F&M's long tradition in politics and public service. More recent notable graduates include actors Roy Scheider and Jonathan Groff. This diverse alumni network demonstrates how F&M's liberal arts foundation prepares students for success across many fields.
