Overview
Franklin and Marshall College is a selective private four-year institution in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The school accepts 36.2% of applicants and enrolls 1,904 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 36.2%
- Average SAT
- 1,375
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,310–1,440
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 32
- Total Enrollment
- 1,904
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Franklin and Marshall's need-blind admissions process means your financial situation won't affect your admission chances, so focus entirely on crafting a compelling academic story. The college particularly appreciates students who can articulate how they'll use F&M's open curriculum structure, which allows you to design your own major or combine existing programs in unconventional ways.
Your essays should highlight specific research opportunities you want to pursue through F&M's Hackman Scholars Program, which funds student-faculty collaborative research across all disciplines. Mention professors by name and their current projects if you've done your homework on the department websites. The college also offers a distinctive Diplomatic Simulation program where students role-play international negotiations, making it an excellent topic for applicants interested in government or international studies.
F&M requires the Common Application plus a supplemental essay asking why you want to attend. Don't write generically about small class sizes or liberal arts education. Instead, reference specific courses in the catalog, like the interdisciplinary "Science and Society" seminars or the college's unusual emphasis on sustainability studies integrated across departments.
The campus culture centers heavily on the residential college system, where students live in themed houses focused on academic interests, community service, or cultural identity. Your application should show you'll contribute to this tight-knit residential community. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life like at other small colleges.
Apply early decision if F&M is your clear first choice, as the college fills about half its class through binding early decision. The regular decision deadline isn't rolling, so you have time to perfect your application through January. Submit your FAFSA early since F&M meets full demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.
Lancaster's location one hour from Philadelphia provides internship and research opportunities that many rural liberal arts colleges can't match. Your application should show you understand how to leverage both the intimate campus environment and nearby urban resources for your academic goals.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $39,061/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $68,380
- Students Receiving Aid
- 17%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $76,124/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 85.0%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Franklin and Marshall College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Franklin and Marshall College is test-optional for most applicants. You can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application.
What is the early decision deadline for Franklin and Marshall College?
Franklin and Marshall College offers Early Decision I with a November 15 deadline and Early Decision II with a January 15 deadline. Both are binding admission options.
Can you transfer to Franklin and Marshall College as a spring semester student?
Franklin and Marshall College accepts transfer students for both fall and spring semesters. Spring transfer applications are typically due by November 1.
What are the most popular majors at Franklin and Marshall College?
The most popular programs at Franklin and Marshall College include Economics, Business Administration, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Political Science. The college also offers strong interdisciplinary study options.