Franklin College
Franklin College is a private nonprofit university in Franklin, IN ranked #779 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 900 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 69.8%. Students most often pursue Biology and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 72.9% first-year retention, and 60.3% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $22,855, about $5,857 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.1%, roughly 135.4 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $45,635. That's about $1,947 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Franklin College has an acceptance rate of 69.8%, annual tuition of $38,710, average net price of $22,855, and a national rank of #779 (Grade B), with a 60.3% six-year graduation rate, about 900 undergraduates, and median earnings of $45,635 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Franklin College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Franklin College graduates 60.3% of students within six years and keeps 72.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Franklin College'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 | $38,710 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,352 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,405 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,106 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $54,178 |
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 36.4% of Franklin College students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $14,790 to $30,316 depending on family income. Use Franklin College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $23,439/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,316/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $45,635
- 10-Year Median Earnings $45,635
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $18,998
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.1%
- Employment Rate 93.6%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Franklin College 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 College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Franklin College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Franklin College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Franklin College graduates earn $45,635 median, the -50.1% 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 540-620
- SAT Math 520-620
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 20-26
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 900
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 72.9%
- Graduation Rate 60.3%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Franklin College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Franklin College 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 69.8%, Franklin College is relatively open. 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: With a 69.8% acceptance rate, Franklin College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060 and 1240 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Franklin College undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 10.5%
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communi 6.8%
- Biology, General 6.8%
- Sociology 6.8%
- Psychology, General 5.5%
- Business/Commerce, General 5.5%
See more majors
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 5.0%
- Applied Mathematics 5.0%
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. Biology, General $59,443
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $57,037
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $56,487
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $49,725
- 5. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $47,610
- 6. Sociology $37,759
- 7. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $36,964
- 8. Psychology, General $31,769
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $24,181
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Biology, General grads earn $59,443—146% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($24,181). Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Franklin College. 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
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 23 graduates)
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Sociology (Bachelor's Degree, 15 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 12 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 (36 programs)▼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Biology, General
- Psychology, General
- Business/Commerce, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Applied Mathematics
- History
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Accounting and Related Services
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Political Science and Government
- Music
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Journalism
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Religion/Religious Studies
- International Business
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Economics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)▼
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 900
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 50.1%
- Female Students 49.9%
- Caucasian 77.1%
- Asian 1.1%
- Hispanic 5.4%
- Black 6.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Franklin College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Franklin College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Franklin College 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 College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 77.1% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Franklin College 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 College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Franklin College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.1% ROI. Ranked #779 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $22,855 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $45,635 median earnings. With 60.3% graduating within six years and 72.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Franklin College's Positioning
With a B grade and #779 ranking, Franklin College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $22,855 annually, Franklin College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 72.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $15,998 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.1% ROI and $45,635 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $12,855+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Franklin College ranks #779 of 6101 institutions, with 1055 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 60.3% six-year graduation rate sits 2.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 72.9% first-year retention is 3.9 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.1% return on investment is 135.4 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $45,635 run about 4% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $22,855 is roughly $5,458 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 72.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.6% employment rate within three years sits 25.4 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $22,855 is about $5,458 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 36.4% trails the national share by 2.7 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Franklin College, a private nonprofit university in Franklin, IN, secures a B grade in our latest review. It stands at #779 among 6101 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.
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: 72.9% retention and 60.3% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -50.1% for this program.
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 $22,855 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $54,178.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,323 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $18,998 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.4% 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 $45,635 at the median. This is roughly 4% above typical U.S. college outcomes.
The three-year employment rate is close to 93.6%.
EDsmart lists the ROI at -50.1%, offering a quick read on value.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
69.8% 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 College 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Franklin College's acceptance rate?
Franklin College's acceptance rate is 69.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Franklin College cost?
At Franklin College, listed tuition and fees are $38,710 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,855. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Franklin College's ranking?
Franklin College ranks #779 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Franklin College's graduation rate?
At Franklin College, the six-year graduation rate is 60.3%, and first-year retention is 72.9%.
What are Franklin College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Franklin College report median earnings of $45,635 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Franklin College's student population?
Franklin College enrolls about 900 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Franklin, IN 46131-2623
- Website www.franklincollege.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$94.1M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate26.2%