Franklin & Marshall College

Key Highlights

• Private nonprofit residential liberal arts college in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
• Founded in 1787; Franklin College and Marshall College combined in 1853
• MSCHE-accredited with bachelor's study in the approved credential scope
• Operating institution that held its 239th commencement in May 2026

Student Life & Environment

Franklin & Marshall describes itself as a residential college, and housing is closely connected to its community model. College Houses bring together residential, intellectual, extracurricular, and social activity, especially during the first year. The First-Year Experience adds programming around campus and Lancaster connections, student organizations, support resources, course registration, and preparation for later housing selection. Outside the residence system, the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership supports organizations, leadership opportunities, and campus participation. Fraternities and sororities are present for students who choose that form of community. Intercollegiate athletics and recreation provide additional routes for involvement, while the Ware Institute for Civic Engagement connects students with service and work among Lancaster-area nonprofits and agencies. Students should budget carefully for the residential model. For 2026-27, a standard double costs $10,090 for the academic year and is required for first-year students. The all-access meal plan costs $7,240 per year and is required for first-years. Other room types and meal plans have different prices and eligibility rules. A meal plan is required for students living in campus residential rooms and suites, although rules differ for some apartments, theme houses, commuters, and approved off-campus students. Support extends beyond social programming. Student Affairs identifies centralized academic support, wellbeing resources, the College House network, and career and civic-engagement services. Applicants comparing residential colleges should consider both the built-in community and the related housing and dining commitments.

Location & Surroundings

Franklin & Marshall's main campus is in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. MSCHE confirms Lancaster as the institution's main-campus location. The College presents Lancaster not simply as an address but as a setting for internships, service, employment, and community-based learning. Its career center's Experience Lancaster programming connects students with local research, service, and professional opportunities, while F&M Works places selected students in paid internships with Lancaster nonprofit organizations. The campus sits within reach of the city's arts, cultural activities, employers, public institutions, and community organizations. The College describes many city experiences as walkable from campus. That urban access can be useful for students seeking practical experience during the academic year rather than limiting internships to summer breaks. Prospective students should distinguish the Lancaster campus from the Advanced Studies in England location in Bath, United Kingdom, which MSCHE lists as a branch campus. Most applicants are considering the Pennsylvania residential experience; participation in off-campus or overseas study has separate academic, logistical, and financial implications. Before enrolling, students should assess their preferred balance of a defined residential campus and engagement with a small city, as well as transportation needs for travel beyond Lancaster.

Costs & Career Outcomes

For academic year 2026-27, Franklin & Marshall lists undergraduate tuition at $74,770. Mandatory listed charges include a $146 health-services fee and $200 student-activity fee. A standard first-year double is $10,090 per year, and the required first-year all-access meal plan is $7,240. Those direct items total $92,446 before the refundable general deposit, one-time orientation fee, health insurance, books, travel, and personal expenses. Full-time students must have qualifying health coverage; the College's 2026-27 student plan costs $3,688 and may be waived with comparable coverage, while international students are required to enroll. International students are also automatically enrolled in the listed dental plan. Published prices are not the same as every student's net cost. Franklin & Marshall says it meets institutionally determined demonstrated need for all four years for admitted students, including international recipients, though international aid is limited. Its aid system includes need-based assistance, merit or dedicated scholarships, loans, and work opportunities. U.S. families can use the College's estimation tools; all applicants should compare the final aid offer, renewal terms, expected family contribution, work expectations, and uncovered indirect expenses. Career support is organized through industry-aligned career communities and includes internship search, application, interview, and networking assistance. Experience Lancaster connects academic and professional exploration with local opportunities, while F&M Works provides paid nonprofit internships to selected students. The College reports that 92% of the Class of 2025 was employed or continuing education within six months. This is an institution-reported outcome and should be assessed alongside the underlying destination report, response coverage, field of study, job type, and graduate-school costs rather than treated as a guaranteed individual result.