At $22,605/yr net price, Franklin University graduates earn $51,892/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,892/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,605 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $90,420 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,892/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,892/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 30.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,836 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,466/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,170/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,204/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | $34,168 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $28,291 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $59,124 | $30,750 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $58,673 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $58,402 | $35,451 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $54,664 | $28,927 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $53,984 | |
| Marketing. | Master | $53,358 | $41,000 |
The Risk Factor
30.3% of students at Franklin University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Franklin University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with a concerning 30% graduation rate that severely undermines your investment. The median 10-year earnings of $51,892 barely justify the $22,605 annual net price when you factor in the high risk of not finishing your degree.
Computer science stands out as Franklin's only clear winner, producing graduates earning $71,351 annually. Business administration and health administration programs generate decent middle-management salaries around $60,000, but the business program saddles you with $34,168 in debt compared to just $20,836 median debt across all programs.
The retention rate of 47% signals serious problems with student support and program quality. Nearly half of students leave after freshman year, meaning you face significant odds of paying tuition without earning a degree. This risk hits hardest if you're considering weaker programs outside the computer science department.
Franklin works financially if you can get into computer science and have strong self-direction to handle the university's obvious retention challenges. The school attracts working adults, so flexible scheduling may justify the premium for some students who cannot attend traditional universities.
Skip Franklin if you need substantial academic support or want programs outside technology and business. The low graduation rate suggests you'll struggle without strong self-motivation. Traditional state schools offer better value and support systems for most students seeking similar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Franklin University worth the cost?
Franklin University graduates earn a median of $51,892 ten years after graduation against a net price of $22,605 per year. The school's 30% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making it a risky investment for many.
What are the best paying programs at Franklin University?
Computer Science and Homeland Security programs at Franklin University show the strongest returns, with graduates earning around $71,000 annually. Business and Health Administration programs produce more modest returns in the $60,000 range.
How much debt do Franklin University students typically graduate with?
Franklin University graduates carry a median debt of $20,836, which is manageable compared to their earning potential. However, this only reflects students who actually graduate - the majority drop out and may still owe money.
What is Franklin University's graduation rate and why does it matter?
Only 30% of Franklin University students graduate, meaning 7 out of 10 students leave without a degree. Students who don't graduate often still accumulate debt but miss out on the earning benefits that make the investment worthwhile.