Meeting Talented Students Where They Are

We offer multiple forms of aid to make our extraordinary education affordable to all deserving students:

Need-based and merit-based financial aid is not mutually exclusive; you can qualify and receive both. If you’re admitted to F&M, we will meet 100% of your institutionally determined financial need for all four years on campus. 

What Does it Cost to Attend Franklin & Marshall College?

Also known as Cost of Education, this is the total cost of educating an F&M student for an entire academic year. The COA includes actual Direct Costs and estimated Indirect Costs.

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Need-Based Aid at F&M

65%

of F&M students receive some sort of need-based aid

Our investment in need-based financial aid has enabled us to enroll talented students of all backgrounds who have earned the opportunity to benefit from an F&M education. We are proud that F&M is a dynamic campus where students of myriad cultures and diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds can exchange ideas, learn from one another, and grow together. Each year, F&M continues to reimagine the definition of need, expanding the eligibility for students from all backgrounds.

How We Determine Financial Need

Our Formula to Determine Need-Based Aid

We define need as the difference between the cost of attending F&M and the amount a family is expected to contribute. The family contribution — calculated from the information that you provide on the FAFSA and CSS Profile — is used to determine the types and amounts of need-based financial aid for which you are eligible.

Need-based financial aid programs were created with the idea that the primary responsibility for paying college costs rests with the student and their family.

The formula used to determine need-based aid is:

Cost of Attendance (COA) - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - Non-need-based aid (i.e. Merit Scholarships) = Need-Based Financial Aid

Criteria Used in Determination of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) 

  • Total Income* (adjusted gross income (AGI) plus all untaxed income)
  • Number of children/student’s siblings enrolled full-time in a four (4) year undergraduate degree program.
  • Both biological or adoptive parents’ information, as well as step-parents’ information.
  • A minimum student earning contribution of $1,550 is expected in the first academic year. A minimum contribution of $2,150 will be expected for each of the next three (3) academic years.
  • The formula may assess stock losses or depreciation and similar income paper losses tied with S-corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and/or sole proprietorships
  • Home Equity (value minus debt owed) in a family’s primary home of residence — up to 120% of total income*.  (NOTE: Value listed on the CSS Profile will be compared and updated to the value listed on Zillow.)

Criteria Not Used in the Determination of the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

  • Value of tax-sheltered retirement accounts
  • A family's consumer debt level, which includes, but is not limited to, credit card debt, automobile loans, prior student loans, and home mortgage payments
  • Private secondary school, community college, or graduate school tuition and expenses for siblings. 

 

Calculate Your Cost

We offer two options to help you estimate your personal cost of an F&M education. While these tools are useful for college planning, they also have limitations. Please carefully read the introductory and explanatory information provided with each calculator.

These tools are available to U.S. citizens only.

MyinTuition

MyinTuition is most appropriate for prospective students and families looking for a quick ballpark estimate. It gives a range of expected costs for 90% of families in a similar situation.

Calculate your need  

 Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator is most appropriate for prospective students and families who need a more nuanced estimate of what their aid package will look like if they attend F&M. Make sure you have your tax returns and W-2s handy when completing.

​​ Calculate your need  

Additional Resources

Types of Aid Available

Financial aid typically comes in three forms: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study.

Learn more

 

Financial Aid Terms to Know

We understand that financial aid can be confusing. From “CSS Profile” and “FAFSA” to “Pell Grant” and “Work Study,” take a look at these terms you’ll be hearing throughout the financial aid process.

Learn more

Early Financial Aid Estimate

We understand that many families need to know how much financial aid they may receive before committing to F&M via Early Decision. We can provide you with an early estimate of the need-based financial aid for which you might qualify. This is an estimate only, not a guaranteed financial aid package. It also doesn’t guarantee or imply admission. 

We will accept requests for early financial aid estimates beginning September 5, 2024. 

Learn more

Read Our Financial Aid Policies

Explore F&M guidelines and regulations related to financial aid.

Learn more

We Offer Financial Aid for International Students

Reflecting our commitment to a diverse student body, we are proud to offer need-based financial aid to international students. This means that if you are admitted to F&M, we will meet 100% of your institutionally determined financial need for all four years on campus. Please keep in mind that while the amount of aid is generous, it is also limited, so we encourage you to apply early.
Read More »

The Impact of Financial Aid at F&M

Student Spotlight: Alethia Batchelder ’24

Video by Andrew Bilindabagabo

March 19, 2024

Why Give? Six Inspiring Stories

As Day of Giving begins, explore six recent stories that showcase the philanthropic spirit of Diplomats worldwide.

March 12, 2024

Mary Fouad ’24 Discovered Her Purpose While Studying Abroad

“Financial aid allowed me to study abroad and have once-in-a-lifetime experiences that inspire me to dedicate my career to doing good for the people often overlooked,” says F&M senior Mary Fouad.

March 7, 2024

Mary Adams ’24 Embraces All F&M Has to Offer

Choosing F&M was about exploring the unknown for senior Mary Adams. Thanks to a generous financial aid package, she has completed academic studies, field research and internships both on campus and abroad.

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. Within six months after graduation, 93% of the Class of 2023 were either employed or furthering their education. This is higher than the national average, which is typically in the mid-80% range.

Explore success beyond F&M »

Contact the Financial Aid Team

Do you have questions about financial aid at F&M? You have an assigned financial aid expert based on the first letter of your last name. If you need help, you can reach out to them!

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 3003
Lancaster, PA 17604-3003

Phone Number

717-358-3991

Email

financialaid@fandm.edu

A-G

Eric E Kopp, Director of Financial Aid

H-O

Jasper Choi, Assistant Director of Financial Aid

P-Z

Autumn Nauman, Financial Aid Counselor