Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is a private nonprofit university in Needham, MA ranked #8 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of A+, enrolling about 373 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 21.7%. Students most often pursue Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, 98.7% first-year retention, and 92.2% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $20,575, about $3,577 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 28.2%, roughly 57.1 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $105,483. That's about $61,795 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for motivated learners who want a competitive yet collaborative community and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates 92.2% of students within six years and keeps 98.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $64,458 |
| Books and Supplies | $216 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $19,820 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,980 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $81,486 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 13.5% of Franklin W Olin College of Engineering students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $7,058 to $46,317 depending on family income. Use Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,098/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $46,317/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $105,483
- 10-Year Median Earnings $105,483
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $14,287
- Repayment Rate (3yr) Not reported
- Employment Rate 73.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Franklin W Olin College of Engineering graduates earn $105,483 median, the 28.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 720-770
- SAT Math 760-790
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 34-35
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 373
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 98.7%
- Graduation Rate 92.2%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Franklin W Olin College of Engineering
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 21.7%, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering is highly selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's 21.7% acceptance rate makes it highly selective. Strong test scores, GPA, and a well-rounded application are essential. Early application can improve your chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1480 and 1560 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Franklin W Olin College of Engineering undergraduates. Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, General, and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee draw the most students.
- Mechanical Engineering 40.0%
- Engineering, General 38.9%
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Enginee 21.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Engineering, General $128,427
- 2. Mechanical Engineering $106,657
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Engineering, General grads earn $128,427—20% more than Mechanical Engineering ($106,657). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Franklin W Olin College of Engineering. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 36 graduates)
- Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degree, 35 graduates)
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (3 programs)▼
- Mechanical Engineering
- Engineering, General
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 373
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 51.7%
- Female Students 48.3%
- Caucasian 41.8%
- Asian 22.2%
- Hispanic 11.0%
- Black 3.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 13.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Franklin W Olin College of Engineering support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering has a diverse student body, with 41.8% identifying as White. About 13.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Franklin W Olin College of Engineering support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering stands among the nation's most elite, delivering a 28.2% ROI outperforming 6186 of 6272 institutions in our analysis.
The institution achieves 73.3% four-year and 92.2% six-year completion ratesand maintains 98.7% first-year retention. However, the $20,575 annual net price positions this institution at the higher end of college costs. Post-graduation median earnings of $105,483 reflect strong career outcomes typical of selective institutions.
Value Analysis: Is Franklin W Olin College of Engineering Worth It?
Ranking #8 of 6272, Franklin W Olin College of Engineering delivers a A+ overall grade with 99.6/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total).
For High-Achieving Students: Applicants pursuing careers where institutional prestige and professional networks drive opportunities—such as finance, consulting, law, and academia—benefit most from Franklin W Olin College of Engineering's brand value and alumni connections. The school's reputation provides career acceleration that may justify the premium cost for specific fields.
Financial Aid Recipients: Students receiving substantial need-based aid (bringing actual costs below $10,288 annually) access elite education at a competitive price point. Pell-eligible students often pay less here than at many public universities.
Alternative Considerations: Students in fields where skills and credentials matter more than brand name—particularly STEM, healthcare, and technical fields—should compare outcomes against public research universities offering similar education at 40-60% lower cost. Our data shows 86 institutions deliver superior ROI metrics.
Bottom Line: Franklin W Olin College of Engineering excels in reputation and student experience, reflected in its 98.7% retention rate. However, value-conscious students should weigh the $20,575 annual investment against 86 alternatives offering stronger financial returns. The "best" choice depends on your field, financial situation, and career goals—not rankings alone.
Key Takeaways
- 92.2% six-year graduation rate sits 29.7 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 98.7% first-year retention is 21.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- 28.2% return on investment is 57.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $105,483 run about 141% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,575 is roughly $3,457 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 98.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 73.3% employment rate within three years sits 5.1 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,575 is about $3,457 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 13.5% trails the national share by 25.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Franklin W Olin College of Engineering, a private nonprofit university in Needham, MA, secures a A+ grade in our latest review. It is currently ranked #8 nationally Category results include Completion (A+), Support (A), Career Outcomes (A+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 98.7% retention and 92.2% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 28.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,575 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $81,486.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $60,911 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $14,287 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 13.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $105,483 at the median. That sits about 141% above the national median.
Roughly 73.3% of graduates are employed three years out.
The ROI comes in near 28.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
21.7% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Franklin W Olin College of Engineering admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Needham, MA 02492-1200
- Website www.olin.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
- Endowment$419.1M