“One of America's oldest liberal arts colleges, where a rigorous academic tradition, exceptional pre-professional preparation, and a vibrant Lancaster community converge.”
Franklin & Marshall College, founded in 1787 and named in honor of Benjamin Franklin and Chief Justice John Marshall, is one of the oldest and most distinguished liberal arts colleges in the United States. Located on a beautiful 200-acre campus in Lancaster, Pennsylvania — one of the most culturally rich and historically significant small cities in America — F&M enrolls approximately 1,808 undergraduates in an environment defined by close faculty mentorship, rigorous interdisciplinary inquiry, and remarkable pre-professional outcomes. F&M consistently ranks among the nation's top 40 liberal arts colleges in U.S. News & World Report, and its alumni have distinguished themselves in medicine, science, law, business, government, and the arts for more than two centuries. F&M offers over 60 majors and minors spanning the full breadth of the liberal arts, from business administration and political science to biochemistry, neuroscience, creative writing, and behavioral sciences. The college is especially well-known for its pre-medical and pre-law preparation, with medical school acceptance rates that significantly exceed national averages. Undergraduate research is woven into the fabric of the curriculum — students collaborate directly with faculty scholars, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, and present at national conferences. With a student-to-faculty ratio that enables genuine mentorship, every F&M student has access to the academic networks and personal attention that distinguish a world-class liberal arts education. Lancaster is one of America's most dynamic small cities — a thriving arts scene, a legendary 300-year-old farmers market, nationally recognized restaurants, and a vibrant downtown combine to give F&M students a city experience with small-town warmth. Around 32% of students compete in NCAA Division III athletics, and the campus offers a rich array of student organizations, Greek life, and community service opportunities. With Philadelphia just 75 minutes away and New York City within two hours, F&M students enjoy exceptional access to internships, professional networks, and cultural life.
Visa, OPT, H-1B alumni outcomes, and acceptance rates by country — sourced from FOIA, USCIS H-1B Hub, and DHS SEVIS.
Test Optional — You can submit scores if they help your case, but they're not required.
Official SourceEarly Decision I
Binding.
Early Decision II
Binding.
Regular Decision
The deep admissions playbook beyond the headline acceptance rate — round-by-round breakdowns, nationality data, requirements, and contact paths.
Tuition & Fees (All Students)
$65,844
/yr
Beyond the sticker price — every named scholarship, the financial aid policy, need-aware notes, and a personalized net-cost estimate.
How life on campus actually feels — clubs, sports, traditions, housing realities, and how the school integrates with its city.
F&M is nationally recognized for its pre-medical preparation. Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and neuroscience are flagship programs with outstanding research facilities and strong medical school placement.
Political science, economics, behavioral sciences, and sociology are among F&M's most popular programs, grounded in rigorous empirical methods and strong writing requirements.
F&M's business administration program is the college's most popular major, providing a rigorous analytical education within the liberal arts framework. Strong alumni connections to Philadelphia, New York City, and national business communities.
A rich humanities tradition encompassing creative writing, English, history, philosophy, languages, and classical studies. F&M's creative writing program has produced nationally recognized writers and scholars.
Strong programs in studio art, theatre, and music, with access to Lancaster's vibrant arts scene and professional cultural institutions.
4 years
F&M's medical school acceptance rate consistently exceeds national averages. Faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, and clinical shadowing opportunities in the Lancaster health system create an exceptional pathway to medicine.
4 years
A distinctive interdisciplinary major integrating anthropology, psychology, sociology, and neuroscience. F&M is one of few colleges to offer behavioral sciences as a standalone major — ideal for students interested in human behavior, public health, and social science research.
4 years
One of F&M's most prestigious programs, with strong pre-law preparation and deep connections to government, policy, and international affairs. Philadelphia and Washington D.C. connections provide outstanding internship access.
Where alumni go after graduation — top industries, grad-school continuation, and the qualitative outcomes story.
Sticker price (annual, out-of-state): $70,794
Net-cost estimate is US-resident-only — international applicants are typically excluded from need-based aid at most schools and should treat the sticker price as the planning baseline.
