Franklin College: 92.9% Acceptance Rate

92.9%Acceptance

$37,350Tuition

872Students

63%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,376Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24American Baptist

About Franklin College

Franklin College builds teachers and journalists through hands-on learning in a close-knit community. With 872 students on a suburban campus outside Indianapolis, this liberal arts college has shaped educators and media professionals since 1844. The journalism program stands out for its practical approach and industry connections. Education majors benefit from extensive student teaching opportunities in nearby schools.

Students pay an average of $22,762 after financial aid, well below the $37,350 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $55,376 ten years out, making the typical $27,000 in student debt manageable at $286 monthly payments. The 96.8% employment rate shows strong job placement. Nearly 39% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the college serves working-class families seeking upward mobility.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student by name. About 437 students compete in 17 Division III sports as Grizzlies, creating school spirit without athletic scholarships. The 71% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition, but those who stay graduate at solid rates. With 93% of students from Indiana, Franklin feels like a tight community where Hoosier values shape the campus culture.

Academics & Faculty

Franklin College operates as a small liberal arts institution where students work closely with faculty in a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The college has built its reputation around education and journalism programs that prepare graduates for careers in teaching and media. With 872 students, classes stay intimate and professors know students by name. The four-one-four calendar system includes a January term for intensive study or internships. However, the 63.4% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees. The college's Baptist heritage influences its approach to liberal education, emphasizing values alongside academic rigor. Students benefit from personalized attention but must be self-motivated to succeed.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 63.4%
Retention Rate: 71.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,376
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$38,829
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$26,353
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$24,421

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

Franklin College's 872 students experience small-town life in suburban Indianapolis, about 20 miles south of the city. Nearly 81% of students live on campus in residence halls that house 710 students total. The Four-One-Four calendar system creates an intensive January term between fall and spring semesters that students often use for internships or study abroad.

Indiana winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer comfortable weather for outdoor activities on the historic campus founded in 1844. With 93% of students coming from Indiana, the Grizzlies create a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Students gather for NCAA Division III athletic events, with 437 total athletes competing across 17 varsity sports. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often join them for meals in the dining hall. Weekends revolve around campus events, trips to Indianapolis for shopping and entertainment, or intramural sports. The American Baptist heritage influences campus culture through service opportunities and community values.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 710 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1844

Campus Safety (2023)

17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Fondling	4	3	2
Rape	2	2	0
Burglary	2	0	0
Dating Violence	1	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 18°–35°F
July Avg: 63°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.8"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Franklin College draws primarily local Indiana students, with 93% staying in-state for their education. This reflects the college's deep roots in the community since 1844 and its reputation as a regional institution. The student body splits nearly evenly between men and women at 53% to 47%, typical for a balanced liberal arts program. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable private education. The predominantly white student population at 80% mirrors Indiana's demographics, while the college's American Baptist heritage continues to influence its welcoming, values-centered campus culture.

Men: 53.4%
Women: 46.6%
White: 79.7%
Black: 7.1%
Hispanic: 5.7%
Asian: 1.5%
In-State Students: 93.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.5%

Location

Franklin College sits in Franklin, Indiana, about 20 miles south of Indianapolis. The campus serves 872 students in a large suburban setting that offers small-town charm with big-city access. Franklin provides a classic college town atmosphere where the historic downtown connects directly to campus life. The surrounding Johnson County area features rolling farmland and growing suburban communities. Students can easily reach Indianapolis for internships, cultural events, and professional opportunities while enjoying the tight-knit community feel that comes with 93.17% of students being Indiana residents. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term experiences both locally and abroad. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare Franklin College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Franklin, Indiana 46131-2623

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,376
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,315
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 71.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Franklin College?

Franklin College accepts 92.86% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1070. This liberal arts college founded in 1844 has a welcoming admissions process that focuses on finding students who will thrive in their close-knit community of 872 students.

How much does Franklin College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,762 despite the $49,940 total cost of attendance. The college provides institutional grants averaging $28,290 to 29% of students, making this Baptist-affiliated school more affordable than the sticker price suggests.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Franklin College?

Franklin College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention in the classroom. The college is particularly known for its strong education and journalism programs, which benefit from this intimate learning environment.

What are the career outcomes for Franklin College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $55,376 ten years after graduation with a 96.8% employment rate. While the 63.4% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many small colleges face, those who complete their degrees typically manage their $27,000 median debt load successfully.

Where is Franklin College located and what is campus life like?

Franklin College sits in Franklin, Indiana, a large suburban setting that houses 710 students in campus facilities. With 17 varsity sports and 437 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III, the Grizzlies create a spirited campus atmosphere despite the small size.

Does Franklin College primarily serve local students?

An overwhelming 93.17% of Franklin College students come from Indiana, creating a tight-knit regional community. The college's American Baptist heritage and Four-One-Four calendar system appeal strongly to families throughout the state seeking a traditional liberal arts education.