The Lasting Value of an F&M Education

The tremendous success of F&M graduates demonstrates the tangible value of an F&M degree when compared to national outcomes.

An Investment in Your Future

At first glance, the cost to attend a prestigious liberal arts college like Franklin & Marshall may seem high when you look at what it costs to attend a well-known public university in Pennsylvania such as Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh, or Temple.

While the sticker — or listed — price of F&M’s tuition, room and board is higher than that of Pennsylvania’s flagship universities, it’s important to note that the vast majority of F&M students receive financial aid that drastically reduces their final tuition bill.

And when you compare the cost of F&M after financial aid is factored into the final bill, students from working-class and middle-class families essentially pay the same price to attend F&M as they would to attend a college like Penn State, Pitt or Temple.

So, why choose F&M?

Our graduates earn, on average, substantially more than graduates of those state universities — to the tune of 20 percent more per year.

As you can see, it’s not just about dollars. It’s about sense.

A Launchpad for Success

Within six months after graduation, 92% of the Class of 2024 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

Let’s connect the dots and explore the numbers — as well as how your choice of a major creates pathways to careers you may have never imagined.

Our knowledge rate of our graduates’ success is 92%. This means 92% of the Class of 2024 has informed us where they landed. The industry-standard response rate threshold is 65%.

 

F&M Graduate Earnings Snapshot

The following data is from PayScale. See F&M's full profile.

$73,000

Early Career Salary (0-5 years of experience in chosen field)

$147,200

Mid-Career Salary (10+ years of experience in chosen field)

Anna Synakh '22 in the F&M library conducting research on Russian soft-power politics from the early 2000s to present day.

Graduates Furthering Their Studies

Learn more about the F&M graduates who are furthering their studies or training.   

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Music producer Ed Chung '97

Graduates in the Workforce

Learn more about the F&M graduates who are employed — by industry and by specific corporations and nonprofits.

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Explore. Experience. Succeed.

True to our mission, the Center for Career and Professional Development at F&M engages students across all class years. Our enduring commitment to your success helps you launch careers in leading industries and gain admission to high-demand graduate and professional programs around the world. Explore how, as a first-year finding your path or as a senior on the cusp of graduating, you can benefit from the Career Center’s more than 200 programs and activities designed to launch you to success.

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Spotlighting Our Graduates’ Success

May 15, 2025

Williamson Medalist Learns “Growth Doesn’t Happen When We’re Comfortable”

Shayra Nunez, of New York City, is the 2025 recipient of the Williamson Medal, the College’s most prestigious award for student achievement. It has been awarded annually since 1922. She graduated summa cum laude as a joint major in business, organizations & society, and government. She received the medal at Franklin & Marshall’s Commencement May 10.

May 12, 2025

‘The Door is Inside You,’ Speaker Tells Class of 2025 at Commencement

As F&M graduates find their footing beyond campus, they need only to look inward. “The door is inside you,” said speaker Sandra Cisneros, addressing members of the Class of 2025 at their Commencement May 10.

May 9, 2025

Lux et Lex Walk Celebrates Class of 2025

Members of Franklin & Marshall’s Class of 2025 took time to reflect on their college journey during the Lux et Lex walk Friday, May 9.