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% 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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Discover Your Calling. Grow in Community.

F&M's liberal arts model is at the heart of our Center for Career and Professional Development: receiving targeted, expert guidance while exploring a wide range of post-graduate paths to discover your professional calling and develop the skills you need to succeed. To help you navigate this exploration and discovery, our career guidance is structured through “career communities” – dynamic groups aligned with specific industries that transform your aspirations into clear options, meaningful opportunities, and a network of support.

Learn more »

Spotlighting Our Graduates’ Success

October 3, 2025

DesChamps Named Board of Trustees Chair-Elect

Franklin & Marshall College is pleased to announce that Matt DesChamps ’93, P’28 has been elected to become the next chair of the F&M Board of Trustees. His three-year term as Board chair will begin July 1, 2026.

September 22, 2025

True Blue Weekend Celebrates Traditions Old & New

More than 2,000 students, parents and alumni filled campus Sept. 19-21 for True Blue Weekend. Find your favorite photos from the weekend.

September 22, 2025

True Blue Weekend Award Ceremonies Mark Honors and Distinction for F&M Alumni

Over the course of 2025 True Blue Weekend events, the Franklin & Marshall community gathered to honor alumni whose philanthropy, service and achievement have shaped our College and the world. Their generosity, commitment and influence serve as a powerful example for today’s and tomorrow’s Diplomats.