Students at Franklin and Marshall College achieve exceptional long-term earnings that place the institution among the top 5% nationally for financial outcomes.
Graduates consistently outperform expectations across business, economics, and interdisciplinary programs, delivering strong returns that justify the college's premium positioning.
Franklin and Marshall College ranks among the top 5% of institutions nationwide for long-term earnings, delivering exceptional return on investment despite its premium price point. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, this small private liberal arts college combines academic rigor with remarkably strong financial outcomes—graduates earn a median of $76,124 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the 95th percentile nationally for earnings performance.
What makes Franklin and Marshall distinctive is its ability to deliver consistent value across a range of liberal arts and professional programs. With just over 2,000 students, the college provides an intimate educational environment where nearly 86% of students graduate within six years. The institution's strength lies in programs like Applied Economics, Business Administration, and interdisciplinary studies, which consistently produce graduates who command strong salaries in competitive job markets.
For families who can manage the higher net costs—ranging from about $13,300 for low-income students to nearly $49,000 for high-income families—Franklin and Marshall represents a premium investment that pays substantial dividends. The college's small size, strong alumni network, and focus on preparing students for leadership roles in business, finance, and other professional fields create pathways to careers that justify the initial expense.
Franklin and Marshall's program portfolio centers on liberal arts disciplines that translate effectively into professional careers. The college's interdisciplinary studies program stands out as both the largest and highest-return option, graduating 112 students annually who earn median salaries of $42,682—demonstrating how the college's flexible academic approach prepares students for diverse career paths. Applied Economics, with 62 graduates earning around $55,964, represents the college's strength in preparing students for business and finance careers.
Business Administration rounds out the top programs with 52 graduates achieving median earnings of $52,733, reflecting Franklin and Marshall's ability to combine liberal arts education with practical professional preparation. These programs benefit from the college's small size and strong alumni network, which creates meaningful connections between current students and successful graduates in competitive industries.
The college's program mix reflects its positioning as a liberal arts institution with strong professional outcomes. Rather than offering highly specialized technical programs, Franklin and Marshall focuses on developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that translate across industries. This approach, combined with personalized advising and extensive alumni mentorship, helps explain why graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations for liberal arts college alumni.
Franklin and Marshall College delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it among the top-performing institutions nationwide. Graduates earn a median of $76,124 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally—a remarkable achievement that reflects the college's ability to prepare students for high-paying careers. The institution's loan repayment performance is equally impressive, with over 92% of borrowers successfully repaying their federal loans, and an exceptionally low default rate of 0%.
The college's strongest returns come from its business and economics programs, which form the core of its academic reputation. Applied Economics graduates, representing one of the largest programs with 62 students, earn around $55,964 early in their careers, while Business Administration majors achieve median earnings of $52,733. The highest aggregate return comes from the college's interdisciplinary studies program, which graduates 112 students annually with median earnings of $42,682, demonstrating how Franklin and Marshall's liberal arts approach translates into practical career success.
What sets Franklin and Marshall apart is its consistent ability to help graduates exceed typical earnings expectations for similar institutions. The college's small size creates strong alumni networks and personalized career guidance that opens doors to competitive positions in finance, consulting, and management. This combination of academic quality, professional preparation, and network effects explains why Franklin and Marshall graduates consistently outperform peers from comparable liberal arts colleges in long-term earning power.
Franklin and Marshall College operates as a premium-priced institution with significant financial aid for students who qualify. Low-income students pay an average net price of $13,331 annually, representing substantial institutional support that makes the college accessible to talented students regardless of family income. Middle-income families face higher costs at around $26,954 per year, while high-income families pay nearly the full sticker price at $48,713 annually.
The college's affordability profile reflects its positioning as a selective private institution that invests heavily in need-based aid. While net prices place Franklin and Marshall in the 6th percentile nationally for affordability—meaning it's more expensive than most institutions—the substantial aid provided to low-income students demonstrates the college's commitment to economic diversity. The aid structure creates a clear income-based pricing system where families pay according to their ability, with the most generous support reserved for students with the greatest financial need.
For families considering the investment, Franklin and Marshall's pricing must be weighed against its exceptional outcomes. The college's graduates consistently achieve earnings that justify the higher upfront costs, particularly for students entering business, economics, and professional fields where starting salaries and career trajectories provide strong returns on the educational investment.
Franklin And Marshall College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
