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 gives you a strong financial return backed by an 86% graduation rate and a modest $19,000 median debt load. Most graduates finish, and most leave without crushing loans, which is the foundation of a payoff here. The median earnings ten years out sit well above the debt line, so the math works for the typical graduate.
The program picture is narrower than the school-wide median suggests. Economics is your highest-earning listed major, and business administration is close behind, both landing graduates in the low-to-mid $50,000s a decade out. But those early-career program figures fall short of the $76,124 school-wide median, which means the bump to that number comes from years of career growth, not your first job. Political science and general liberal arts graduates start lower, in the low-to-mid $40,000s. If you major in one of those and take on the average debt, expect a slower climb.
The specific risk here is the gap between sticker price and starting pay. At nearly $39,000 a year net, four years costs more than a political science graduate earns in that tenth-year snapshot. Borrow heavily for a lower-earning humanities track and the return gets thin.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $30,000 in income, you pay about $13,331 a year. over $110,000, you pay $48,713. That is a nearly $35,000 annual swing. If your family earns under $48,000, this school is priced competitively and the return is solid across most majors. If you earn over $110,000 and steer toward a lower-earning field, look hard at whether the full price pencils out. Franklin and Marshall fits you best if you target economics or business and qualify for income-based aid.
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.