Franklin and Marshall College
The Vibe Check
Franklin and Marshall College feels like an intimate, intellectually charged community where collaboration is the norm. The historic brick buildings of the urban campus create a cozy, enclosed atmosphere, but the energy is distinctly pre-professional and ambitious. It's a place where students are deeply engaged in both rigorous coursework and close-knit campus traditions.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
F&M is known for its strong liberal arts foundation with standout programs in government, economics, and biology, offering students a broad yet deep education. The college emphasizes close faculty mentorship, with small class sizes that foster lively discussion and personalized guidance. Research opportunities are abundant and accessible, even for underclassmen, through funded fellowships and collaborative projects with professors.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Lancaster
Lancaster offers a vibrant mix of urban amenities and small-town charm, from the bustling Central Market to the trendy art galleries and coffee shops in the Lancaster City neighborhood. Students enjoy exploring the city's diverse food scene, attending First Friday art walks, and taking advantage of outdoor activities at nearby parks and the Susquehanna River. The city's location also provides easy access to Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C. for weekend trips.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).
Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($76,124):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus itself is considered very safe, with its own well-equipped public safety department and well-lit pathways. Lancaster City has seen revitalization, but students are advised to practice urban awareness, especially when venturing off-campus into the surrounding neighborhoods.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ High graduation rate (85.8%) indicating strong student support and persistence.
- ✓ Excellent faculty accessibility and mentorship due to small class sizes.
- ✓ Strong alumni network providing valuable connections for internships and jobs.
- ✓ Prime location in a revitalized city with cultural amenities and proximity to major East Coast hubs.
Cons
- ✗ High total cost of attendance without significant financial aid.
- ✗ The small, urban campus may feel contained for students seeking a sprawling, traditional college town experience.
- ✗ Social life can be heavily centered on campus activities, with limited Greek life compared to larger universities.
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
Franklin and Marshall College is known for its rigorous liberal arts education, strong programs in government, economics, and international studies, and its close-knit, collaborative community. The college emphasizes undergraduate research and provides significant resources and mentorship opportunities for its students.
Yes, Franklin and Marshall is a highly selective college. With an acceptance rate of approximately 31.83%, admission is competitive. Successful applicants typically have strong academic records, with an average SAT score around 1394, and demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a commitment to community engagement.
Campus life at F&M is intimate and engaged, with a student body of just over 1,900 students. The residential campus fosters a strong sense of community, with students actively participating in over 100 clubs and organizations. The urban setting of Lancaster provides easy access to city life, while the campus itself offers a close-knit environment where students know their peers and professors well.
For many students, the value of an F&M degree is justified by its strong outcomes. The 10-year median earnings of $76,124 and an 85.8% graduation rate indicate a high likelihood of success. When combined with robust financial aid packages that meet 100% of demonstrated need, the net price can be manageable, making the investment worthwhile for a high-quality, personalized education.
Similar Universities
Top Employers
Next Steps & Tools
Make the best decision with our free planning tools.
Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1787
- Type Private
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 2,070
- In-State Tuition $68,380
- Zip Code 17604
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With a sticker price over $68,000, F&M is a significant investment, but the high graduation rate and strong 10-year median earnings of $76,124 suggest a solid return for many graduates. The college meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, which can substantially lower the net price for qualifying families. The value is maximized by the robust alumni network and the strong career outcomes for graduates in business, healthcare, and law.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.