At $39,061/yr net price, Franklin and Marshall College graduates earn $76,124/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $42,124/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,061 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $156,244 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,124/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,124/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 86.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,331/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,539/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $26,954/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,353/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,713/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $52,733 | $19,500 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $45,852 | |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $19,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $41,441 | $19,000 |
| History. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $38,337 | $20,875 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $23,000 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $33,459 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
86.0% of students at Franklin and Marshall College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Franklin and Marshall College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $39,000 annual net price creates a challenging math problem when paired with relatively modest earning outcomes for many graduates.
Economics majors earn the highest starting salaries at nearly $56,000, making this program the school's strongest financial bet. Business administration follows at $53,000, though both still require careful debt management given the high sticker price. Liberal arts and political science majors face tougher financial prospects, with starting salaries in the low-to-mid $40,000 range that make loan repayment more difficult.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its limited financial aid reach. Only 17% of students receive need-based aid, meaning most families pay close to full price. This creates particular challenges for middle-class families who earn too much for aid but struggle with the $39,000 annual cost. The median debt load of $19,000 remains manageable, but only because many students avoid loans by paying upfront.
Franklin and Marshall makes financial sense if you plan to study economics or business and can afford the high costs without excessive borrowing. The school's Pennsylvania location provides decent regional job market access, particularly for business roles in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
You should look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid or plan to major in liberal arts fields where the earning potential doesn't justify the investment. The school works best for affluent families who value the liberal arts experience and can absorb the costs without financial strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franklin and Marshall College worth the high tuition cost?
Franklin and Marshall's $39,061 net price is steep for graduates earning $76,124 after 10 years. The economics program offers better returns at $55,964, but liberal arts graduates face lower earnings that may not justify the cost.
What is the average student debt at Franklin and Marshall College?
Franklin and Marshall graduates carry a median debt of $19,000, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. The relatively low debt load helps offset concerns about the school's mixed earnings outcomes.
Which Franklin and Marshall College majors have the best job prospects?
Economics majors at Franklin and Marshall earn the highest salaries at $55,964, followed by business administration at $52,733. Liberal arts and political science majors earn significantly less, with political science graduates making just $41,441.
Does Franklin and Marshall College provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $39,061 after aid, Franklin and Marshall's financial assistance brings costs down from the full sticker price. However, the school still ranks as expensive compared to public alternatives with similar career outcomes.