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$9,577Tuition
5,111Students
30%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$51,892Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Franklin University

Franklin University builds its reputation around serving working adults who need flexible class schedules and career-focused degrees. The university enrolls 5,111 students in downtown Columbus, where its trimester calendar system allows faster degree completion. Nearly 60% of students are women, reflecting the school's appeal to career changers and professionals seeking advancement.

Students pay an average net price of $22,605 after financial aid, with tuition set at $9,577 regardless of residency status. Graduates earn a median of $51,892 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads reach $20,836 with monthly payments around $221. The employment rate hits 94.5%, showing strong job market outcomes. However, only 33% of students receive federal aid, suggesting many are working professionals who don't qualify for need-based assistance.

The academic environment centers on practical skills rather than traditional college experiences. Student-faculty ratios of 16:1 provide reasonable access to instructors. The 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges facing adult learners who often balance work and family responsibilities. Most students come from Ohio, with 91% residing in-state, creating a locally-focused community of career-minded learners.

Academics & Faculty

Franklin University specializes in career-focused education designed for working adults and nontraditional students. The university operates on a trimester system that allows for accelerated degree completion and flexible scheduling around work commitments. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention despite the university's focus on accessibility. However, the 30% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many adult learners face balancing education with professional and family responsibilities. Franklin is particularly known for its business, technology, and healthcare programs that emphasize practical skills and industry certifications. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application over theoretical study, preparing graduates for immediate career advancement in their chosen fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
6.3%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
37.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
30.3%
Retention Rate
47.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,892
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Computer Science. Master $71,351
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other. Bachelor $71,015
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $61,580
Computer Science. Bachelor $61,516
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $59,124
Economics. Bachelor $58,673
Accounting and Related Services. Master $58,402
Computer and Information Sciences, General. Bachelor $54,664
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $53,984
Marketing. Master $53,358

View all 76 programs →

Campus Life

Franklin University sits in downtown Columbus, Ohio's business district, surrounded by government buildings and corporate offices. The 5,111 students reflect the school's mission as an adult-focused institution where nearly 60% are women, many juggling work and family responsibilities. Most students are working professionals who attend evening or weekend classes on the trimester calendar system.

Campus life centers around practicality rather than traditional college activities. With 90.7% of students from Ohio, many commute from across the Columbus metro area. The downtown location means students grab coffee between classes at nearby cafes or study in the university's modern facilities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so a heavy coat is essential from December through February.

The school caters to busy schedules with flexible class times and online options. Students often form study groups in the evenings and connect through professional networking events. Weekend activities typically revolve around completing coursework or attending career-development workshops rather than traditional campus social events. The university's proximity to state government and Fortune 500 companies creates internship opportunities within walking distance.
Setting
City-Large
Calendar System
Trimester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1902

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 0 0 0 1

Climate & Weather

January Avg
20°–36°F
July Avg
64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation
44.7"
Annual Snowfall
28.2"

Student Demographics

Franklin University draws mostly Ohio residents who need education that fits around their lives. Nearly 60% of students are women, reflecting the school's strength in healthcare, education, and business fields that attract female professionals. The student body is more diverse than many Ohio colleges, with significant Black and Hispanic enrollment. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the university serves working adults from modest backgrounds. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio supports individualized attention that career changers need. Franklin's trimester system and evening classes make it practical for students balancing work, family, and school.
Men
40.1%
Women
59.9%
White
55.4%
Black
18.8%
Hispanic
7.9%
Asian
2.5%
In-State Students
90.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
33.4%

Location

Franklin University sits in Columbus, Ohio's urban core, serving the state capital's 900,000 residents. The campus operates within one of the Midwest's largest metropolitan areas, offering students access to major employers, internships, and career opportunities. Columbus hosts over 60,000 college students across multiple universities, creating a active educational ecosystem. The city blends government, technology, and healthcare sectors with a growing startup scene. Students benefit from Columbus's affordable cost of living and central Ohio's flat terrain dotted with parks and recreational areas. The university draws 90.74% of its students from within Ohio, reflecting strong local ties to the community. Students considering colleges in Ohio may also compare Franklin University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Columbus, Ohio 43215-5399
Franklin University (Ohio) Sign 1
Franklin University (Ohio) Sign 1
Franklin University Clock Tower with Fisher Hall and Columbus
Franklin University Clock Tower with Fisher Hall and Columbus
Franklinquad
Franklinquad

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$51,892
Median Earnings (5 years)
$63,041
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,600
Loan Repayment Rate
40.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$221/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,836

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Franklin University?

Franklin University maintains an open admission policy for most programs, reflecting its mission to serve working adults and non-traditional students. The school enrolls 5,111 students with a 47% retention rate, indicating that while entry is accessible, academic persistence requires commitment.

How much does Franklin University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,605 annually, with the same $9,577 tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. Only 33% of students receive financial aid, and graduates typically carry $20,836 in debt with monthly loan payments of $221.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Franklin University?

Franklin University maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio across its career-focused programs. The school operates on a trimester calendar system, allowing working professionals to complete degrees faster through accelerated scheduling designed for adult learners.

What are the graduation rates at Franklin University?

Franklin University has a 30% six-year graduation rate and 37% four-year graduation rate, reflecting the challenges many working adult students face balancing education with career responsibilities. Despite lower completion rates, 94.5% of graduates find employment, and median earnings reach $51,892 within 10 years.

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

Franklin University sits in Columbus, Ohio, serving primarily local students with 91% coming from in-state. The urban campus caters to a diverse student body that is 60% women and includes significant representation from Black students at 19% and Hispanic students at 8%.

Does Franklin University specialize in programs for working adults?

Franklin University has built its reputation since 1902 around serving adult learners and working professionals with flexible scheduling options. The school's trimester system and career-focused curriculum help explain why graduates earn a solid $54,244 median salary just one year after graduation.