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Franklin and Marshall College vs Lafayette College

Franklin and Marshall College is a private college in Lancaster, PA, and Lafayette College is a private college in Easton, PA. Franklin and Marshall College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 28% of applicants against 31% at Lafayette College. Lafayette College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $34,433 a year against $36,425 at Franklin and Marshall College. About 88% of students graduate at Lafayette College, compared with 85% at Franklin and Marshall College. Ten years after enrolling, Lafayette College alumni earn a median of about $91,410, against $76,124 for Franklin and Marshall College.

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Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, PA · Private

Lafayette College

Easton, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lancaster, PA
Easton, PA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,799
2,757
Acceptance rate
28%
31%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1463
1350–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,425
$34,433
Full cost / yr
$85,776
$83,133
In-state tuition
$70,794
$65,398
Out-of-state tuition
$70,794
$65,398
Application fee
$60
$65
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,321
$12,716
$30k - $48k
$16,942
$7,445
$48k - $75k
$16,245
$10,881
$75k - $110k
$25,104
$12,581
Over $110k
$49,996
$52,608
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
88%
Freshman retention
90%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,544
$80,614
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,124
$91,410
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$16,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
12%
First-generation students
19%
15%
International students
17%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 5

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin and Marshall College or Lafayette College harder to get into?
Franklin and Marshall College is harder to get into. It admits about 28% of applicants, compared with 31% at Lafayette College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Franklin and Marshall College or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $34,433 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,425 at Franklin and Marshall College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Franklin and Marshall College and Lafayette College?
Before aid, Lafayette College costs about $83,133 a year and Franklin and Marshall College about $85,776. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Franklin and Marshall College or Lafayette College?
Franklin and Marshall College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,321 there, against about $12,716 at Lafayette College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Franklin and Marshall College or Lafayette College?
Lafayette College is the larger of the two, with about 2,757 undergraduates against 1,799 at Franklin and Marshall College.
Does Franklin and Marshall College or Lafayette College have a better graduation rate?
Lafayette College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 85% at Franklin and Marshall College.
Do graduates of Franklin and Marshall College or Lafayette College earn more?
Lafayette College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $91,410 ten years after enrolling, against about $76,124 for Franklin and Marshall College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Franklin and Marshall College and Lafayette College require SAT or ACT scores?
Franklin and Marshall College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lafayette College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Franklin and Marshall College and Lafayette College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1463 at Franklin and Marshall College and 1350–1500 at Lafayette College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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