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Franklin and Marshall College vs Lehigh University

Franklin and Marshall College is a private college in Lancaster, PA, and Lehigh University is a private university in Bethlehem, PA. Lehigh University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 26% of applicants against 28% at Franklin and Marshall College. Franklin and Marshall College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $36,425 a year against $36,931 at Lehigh University. About 89% of students graduate at Lehigh University, compared with 85% at Franklin and Marshall College. Ten years after enrolling, Lehigh University alumni earn a median of about $105,584, against $76,124 for Franklin and Marshall College.

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Franklin and Marshall College

Lancaster, PA · Private

Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Lancaster, PA
Bethlehem, PA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,799
5,898
Acceptance rate
28%
26%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1310–1463
1370–1500
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,425
$36,931
Full cost / yr
$85,776
$80,856
In-state tuition
$70,794
$64,980
Out-of-state tuition
$70,794
$64,980
Application fee
$60
$75
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,321
$16,917
$30k - $48k
$16,942
$17,140
$48k - $75k
$16,245
$18,722
$75k - $110k
$25,104
$22,184
Over $110k
$49,996
$48,751
Outcomes
Graduation rate
85%
89%
Freshman retention
90%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$62,544
$88,810
Median earnings (10 yr)
$76,124
$105,584
Median debt at graduation
$19,000
$21,960
Student body
Pell grant recipients
16%
18%
First-generation students
19%
17%
International students
17%
7%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 1

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 Lehigh University harder to get into?
Lehigh University is harder to get into. It admits about 26% of applicants, compared with 28% 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.
Which is cheaper, Franklin and Marshall College or Lehigh University?
Franklin and Marshall College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $36,425 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,931 at Lehigh University. 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 Lehigh University?
Before aid, Lehigh University costs about $80,856 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 Lehigh University?
Franklin and Marshall College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,321 there, against about $16,917 at Lehigh University. 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 Lehigh University?
Lehigh University is the larger of the two, with about 5,898 undergraduates against 1,799 at Franklin and Marshall College.
Does Franklin and Marshall College or Lehigh University have a better graduation rate?
Lehigh University has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 85% at Franklin and Marshall College.
Do graduates of Franklin and Marshall College or Lehigh University earn more?
Lehigh University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $105,584 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 Lehigh University require SAT or ACT scores?
Franklin and Marshall College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lehigh University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Franklin and Marshall College and Lehigh University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1310–1463 at Franklin and Marshall College and 1370–1500 at Lehigh University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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