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 gives you a mixed financial picture with real warning signs. Your median debt of $20,836 stays close to a year's net price, which keeps borrowing reasonable if you finish. The problem is finishing: only 30% of students graduate, and fewer than half return after their first year. Pay the roughly $22,600 net price, drop out, and you carry debt with no degree to pay it back.
The programs that pay off are clear. Protective services and homeland security top the list, and computer science lands you above $61,000 ten years out. Economics and general computer/information sciences also clear the median earnings for the school. If you come here for tech or public-safety fields, the numbers work in your favor.
Human Resources Management is the weakest of the listed bachelor's programs, with earnings under $48,000 against debt above $23,000. Computer science and computer/information sciences both carry debt near $28,000 to $29,000, higher than the school median, so the payoff depends on you actually landing a job in the field. In Columbus, with its insurance, banking, and tech employers, those tech and business roles have local demand.
The financial risk here is the graduation rate, not the price. Sticker cost is moderate for a private nonprofit, but a 47% retention rate means many students leave before the degree pays back.
Franklin fits you if you are a working adult who can commit to finishing in a tech, economics, or public-safety program. Look elsewhere if you need a low net price at a lower income. the cost barely drops below $30,000 in family income, sitting around $23,500, higher than for wealthier families. If you are unsure you will finish, the downside here is steep.
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.